IMD issues heavy rainfall alert for Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa
PTC News Desk: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a weather warning on Monday, predicting that several states, including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa, will experience heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the next 2-3 days.
The IMD’s alert comes in response to a deep depression forming over northwest Madhya Pradesh and eastern Rajasthan, which has intensified, prompting a red alert for August 26. Heavy rainfall is also anticipated in eastern and southern Rajasthan, Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Kutch from August 26 to August 29.
As of 11:30 p.m. on August 25, the deep depression was located approximately 70 kilometers south-southeast of Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. The system is expected to move west-southwest, affecting southern Rajasthan and Gujarat, and is projected to reach Saurashtra, Kutch, and parts of Pakistan by August 29. This update was issued by the IMD at 2 a.m. on the morning of August 26.
In addition, the IMD reported that another low-pressure area over Bangladesh and Gangetic West Bengal is likely to intensify further. This system is expected to move closer to West Bengal, northern Odisha, and Jharkhand in the next two days, bringing heavy rainfall to these regions.
The forecast indicates that Konkan, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, and Jharkhand will also experience heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the coming days. Strong winds are expected to accompany the rains, reaching speeds of up to 50 kmph in Madhya Pradesh on August 26 and increasing to 60 kmph in southern Rajasthan from August 26 to 27.
In Gujarat, near the border with Pakistan, northern Maharashtra, and the northeastern Arabian Sea, winds are anticipated to reach speeds of up to 55 kmph on August 26, with an increase to 60 kmph on August 27 and 28.
The IMD has warned of very rough sea conditions off the coasts of Gujarat, Pakistan, and northern Maharashtra until August 30. Similarly, rough seas are expected in the northern Bay of Bengal on August 26. Fisherfolk are advised to avoid venturing into the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, especially near the coasts of Gujarat, Pakistan, and Maharashtra, until August 30. Small ships have been urged to monitor weather updates closely and take necessary precautions.
The IMD also advises people to avoid areas prone to waterlogging and to check for traffic advisories before traveling. Farmers in the affected regions are recommended to ensure proper drainage in their fields and provide support to crops to minimize potential damage from heavy rainfall.
Additionally, the IMD has issued warnings about the possibility of localized flooding, road closures, and waterlogging, particularly in urban areas. There is also a heightened risk of landslides and damage to horticultural crops due to inundation in the affected regions.
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