The monsoon season has unleashed its fury across India, causing widespread devastation and disarray. From Mumbai’s submerged streets to the waterlogged areas of Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh, the impact of torrential rainfall is being felt far and wide. In Gujarat, the overflowing Auranga River has inundated low-lying areas in Valsad, prompting the evacuation of residents to safer locations. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in Gujarat and Maharashtra, warning of potential dangers. An orange alert has also been issued for heavy rain in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, and Goa.
In Valsad, Gujarat, the rising water level of the Auranga River, fueled by heavy rains in the region, led to the evacuation of approximately 150 residents from Kashmir Nagar. Valsad Municipal Corporation official, Dashrath Singh Gohil, stated that Bandar Road is also susceptible to flooding.
In Uttar Pradesh, Moradabad, specifically Bholanath Colony, is grappling with severe waterlogging. The situation is so dire that residents are resorting to using boats to navigate through the waterlogged streets.
Mumbai, a city known for its resilience, is facing the brunt of heavy rainfall. Schools and educational institutions have been shut down across the city due to the relentless downpour. The BMC reported that Tansa Lake, a major water source for Mumbai, started overflowing at around 4:16 PM. As a result, three gates of the Tansa Dam have been opened, releasing water at a rate of 3,315 cusecs. The Mithi River is nearing the danger mark, adding to the city’s woes.
Pune, another major city in Maharashtra, is also experiencing heavy rainfall and severe waterlogging in several areas. The IMD has issued an orange alert for extremely heavy rainfall in isolated locations within the ghat areas.
The local Met office in Himachal Pradesh has issued a yellow alert, forecasting heavy rainfall at isolated places in the state for the next four days until July 28. This alert warns of potential damage to plantations, standing crops, vulnerable structures, and kutcha houses due to strong winds and waterlogging in low-lying areas. Since the onset of the monsoon on June 27, the state has reported 49 rain-related deaths and approximately ₹389 crore in losses, according to the emergency operation center.