General Forecast:
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts severe rain in several Indian states and union territories today, including Delhi. According to the Met Department’s most recent tweet, satellite imagery shows convective clouds, which could lead to rain and isolated thunderstorms and lightning, over Delhi, Punjab, and the bordering states and UTs in the northwest region.
The IMD further noted that rain is expected on Tuesday in Saurashtra and Kutch in Gujarat, as well as in the state’s southern region. A cyclonic circulation lurks over Haryana, and a trough extends from Punjab to Mizoram at the lower tropospheric levels. Thus, widespread rainfall is on the cards across northwest and central India for the next five days.
There are two cyclonic circulations over sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, and northeast Assam. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected across sub-Himalayan Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Meghalaya, and Tripura over the next five days.
Severe Weather Alerts:
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for rainfall across Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Assam, and Meghalaya for today, July 2.
- The weather department issued an orange alert for heavy rains on July 2 across Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh.
Travel and Supply Chain Impact:
Arunachal Pradesh:
- In Arunachal Pradesh, several districts like Naharlagun and East Kameng witnessed severe landslides.
- The Kurung Bridge across the Kurung River was washed away on Sunday night, cutting off Kurung Kumey district headquarters in Koloriang from the rest of the world for several days until an alternate route was created.
- Numerous roadblocks are along NH-713 from the Kra Daadi district boundary to Koloriang headquarters.
- PWD (highway) has deployed heavy machinery to clear the large debris on the NH-415 at Karsingsa Block Point, allowing traffic to flow freely. Travelers can avoid traffic by taking the Harmuti-Gumto-Doimukh route.
- Furthermore, landslides in various parts of the state have blocked many roads, including Tippi-Bhalukpong in West Kameng district, where hundreds of vehicles have been stranded, and the Itanagar-Pakke-Kessang-Seppa road, while a bridge connecting Roing with Mariyang in Lower Dibang valley has been washed away.
- Due to persistent and severe rainfall, the Kurung River is running at unsafe levels, creating a major threat to low-lying areas and susceptible sections of Koloriang town.
- In addition to infrastructure damage, the impacted areas are experiencing frequent power and network outages, which disrupt daily living and communication.
- Citizens and visitors are advised to be cautious and follow safety rules. Avoid going near riverbanks and flood-prone areas during the monsoon season. To ensure your own safety, avoid landslide-prone areas. And keep livestock (Mithun, Goat, Cow, Pig, etc.) away from rivers to avoid accidents.
Assam:
- Heavy rainfall has caused severe flooding across Assam, affecting thousands of residents, displacing communities, destroying crops, and damaging infrastructure.
- The Brahmaputra and other rivers (especially the Jatinga River) have overflowed, submerging vast areas.
- National Highway 715 has sustained damage, prompting authorities to reduce the speed limit to 40 km/h on the most affected stretches.
- National Highway 27, connecting Haflong and Silchar, has been temporarily closed from July 1 until further notice.
- DD Road (from Dehangi to Diyungmukh) and PGHJ Road (from Gunjung to Lower Haflong) are temporarily closed to heavy vehicles. Alternative routes via NH-27 (Lanka-Lumding-Maibang) have been advised.
The Rest of North-East India
- Flood warning in Imphal – With water levels in major rivers in Imphal district approaching flood level, the local authorities have issued a flood advisory.
- The catchment basins of major rivers, such as the Imphal and Nambul rivers, have been reported to get constant rainfall.
- Citizens and travelers are advised to stay clear from the river banks and to avoid traveling in low-lying areas.
Uttarakhand
- On Sunday, an avalanche swept over Gandhi Sarovar in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand. While no loss of life or property has been reported, it is advised to all pilgrims to exercise caution while traveling to the region.
Mizoram
- Today, a devastating landslide occurred on the outskirts of Aizawl, triggered by relentless rainfall. At least three individuals, including a four-year-old girl, are feared dead. The landslide partially buried a tin-roofed concrete residence while the occupants were asleep. Emergency responders have been mobilised to locate and retrieve any survivors trapped beneath the rubble.
- Three buildings were swept away by massive landslides earlier in Zuangtui Area. All occupants had been evacuated from the premises as a precautionary measure. One building was also swept away by a landslide at Bawngkawn Area.
- A major road blockage between Aizawl’s Chanmari and Ramhlun locality has exacerbated travel woes for residents. This blockage is attributed to landslides triggered by continuous rains.
- The Imphal West district administration has urged residents near rivers to remain vigilant due to potential breaches of river banks or embankments caused by rising water levels from heavy rainfall. Major rivers in the district have reached warning levels, with continuous rainfall in the catchment areas of Imphal and Nambul rivers.
