IMD issues heavy rainfall alerts across states; floods, landslides disrupt normal life

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued fresh warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall across multiple states, as monsoon showers continue to wreak havoc in several regions of the country. From Jammu & Kashmir to Odisha, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat, floods, landslides, and infrastructure damage have disrupted normal life, with authorities on high alert.

Jammu & Kashmir: Flash floods and cloudburst tragedies

Continuous rainfall has triggered flash floods in parts of the Jammu region, swelling rivers and damaging infrastructure. A bridge over the Sahar Khad river near the Jammu-Pathankot Highway was washed away, severely impacting traffic movement on the key arterial route.

The IMD advisory warned of “intense to very heavy rain at scattered places, extremely heavy rain at isolated places, cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides, and mudslides” in vulnerable areas of Jammu division. Locals have been urged to stay away from rivers, nallas, and loose structures.

The region has already witnessed a series of weather-induced tragedies this month. On August 17, seven people lost their lives and 11 others were injured in a cloudburst in Kathua district, while another cloudburst during the Machail Mata Yatra in Kishtwar on August 14 killed at least 55 pilgrims.

Odisha: Villages submerged amid fresh low-pressure system

In Odisha, floodwaters from overflowing rivers have inundated hundreds of villages in Balasore, Jajpur, and Bhadrak districts. Around 45 villages in Jajpur remain under water following a breach in the embankment of the Kani River, a tributary of the Baitarani. Over 5,000 residents have been shifted to relief camps where they are being provided food and medical assistance.

The IMD has forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in parts of Koraput and Malkangiri districts due to a fresh low-pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal. Officials warned that the system is expected to intensify over the next two days, raising fears of worsening flood conditions.

Himachal Pradesh: Roads blocked, power disrupted

Himachal Pradesh is witnessing severe disruption due to continuous downpours over the past two days. In Kullu district, 130 roads have been shut, including stretches of National Highway-03, while 68 more roads across the state remain blocked, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).

Landslides, flash floods, and road subsidence have been reported in Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and Kinnaur districts, cutting off connectivity and damaging property. Over 2,300 electricity transformers are out of service, while 234 water supply schemes stand disrupted.

The state government has ordered closure of all educational institutions in affected districts. The IMD has issued an Orange alert, warning of continued heavy rainfall and urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel. Since June 20, the death toll in Himachal has risen to 306, including 156 fatalities from rain-related incidents.

Gujarat: Fishermen warned amid forecast of heavy showers

The IMD has also issued warnings of heavy rainfall in parts of Gujarat till August 28. Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea as strong winds and rough conditions are expected.

Nationwide monsoon alert

With active monsoon conditions persisting across northern, eastern, and western India, the IMD has cautioned that the risk of flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging will remain high in the coming days. Authorities in affected states are closely monitoring the situation and have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories.