Monsoon arrives early in India as Delhi sees light rains, floods in Uttarakhand
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday announced the arrival of the Monsoon over the entire country, including Delhi, nine days ahead of schedule. According to the IMD, the monsoon has now covered the remaining parts of Rajasthan, West Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and all of Delhi as of June 29, beating its usual timeline of July 8.The early onset brought light to moderate rain across Delhi-NCR on Saturday and Sunday, with showers and gusty winds reported in Rohini, Pitampura, Karawal Nagar, Rajouri Garden, Dwarka, IGI Airport and several other parts of the capital.advertisementNeighbouring areas in Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, including Noida, also saw scattered rain and thunderstorms, with wind speeds reaching up to 50 km/h in some places.
Meanwhile, in Uttarakhand, the Char Dham Yatra has been suspended for the next 24 hours following a red alert for heavy rainfall.Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed that pilgrims heading to Badrinath and Kedarnath are being stopped at Srinagar or Rudraprayag, while those bound for Yamunotri and Gangotri are being halted at Vikasnagar and Barkot. Pilgrims already at the shrines are being brought back under strict safety measures.The IMD has issued a red alert for today and tomorrow for Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Champawat, Bageshwar, Udham Singh Nagar and Haridwar, warning of extremely heavy rainfall. An orange alert has also been declared across Uttarakhand for July 1 and 2, with the weather office cautioning that people living in sensitive or low-lying areas face risks of waterlogging and landslides.advertisementIn Uttarkashi, a cloudburst near Silai Band in Barkot triggered a landslide at a hotel construction site early Saturday morning. According to District Magistrate Prashant Arya, nine labourers are missing after debris hit their shelter.Rescue operations by the State Disaster Response Force, National Disaster Response Force, police and local administration are underway despite continuous rain. Landslides have also blocked stretches of the Yamunotri and Gangotri highways.Himachal Pradesh is also on alert, with the weather department's Hydromet Division warning of moderate to high flash flood risk in parts of Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan and Una districts over the next 24 hours. Heavy rainfall could trigger surface runoff and flooding in low-lying areas.Amid rising river levels, authorities in Mandi opened all five gates of the Pandoh Dam to release 36,000 cusecs of water following flushing at the Larji Dam upstream. Locals and tourists have been strictly advised to stay away from the Beas river banks due to the sudden surge.As North India braces for continued showers, local administrations in Delhi, Haryana, Himachal and Uttarakhand have urged residents to stay alert and avoid flood-prone or landslide-prone areas. The weather department has predicted more rain across the region in the next 24 hours.- EndsTrending Reel
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Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
IMD predicts wetter July, sounds flood alert for east central region
Rainfall over India is likely to be above normal, exceeding 106% of the long period average in July, the India Meteorological Department said on Monday, in a forecast that should bring cheer to farmers, likely boost the rural economy, and keep inflation down. July is the main monsoon month and normally records 28 cm of the total LPA of 87 cm for the four monsoon months –– June, July, August and September. (PTI) With June rains exceeding normal by 8.9%, the July forecast means this year's rainfall from the Southwest Monsoon could meet the weather office's April estimate of being above normal. Overall June rain was 8.9% excess, with 42.2% excess over northwest India; 24.8% excess over central India; 2.7% deficiency over south peninsula and 16.9% deficiency over east and northeast India. The long period average or LPA in July for the country, based on data from 1971 to 2020 is about 280.4 mm. 'Many parts of the country are likely to experience normal to above normal rainfall. However, most parts of northeast India and many parts of east India, extreme south peninsular India and some areas of northwest India are likely to receive below normal rainfall,' IMD officials said on Monday. July is the main monsoon month and normally records 28 cm of the total LPA of 87 cm for the four monsoon months--June, July, August and September. It is also a critical month for agriculture as sowing of paddy and other kharif (monsoon sown) crops takes place during July. The monsoon is critical for India's economy with 51% of India's farmed area, accounting for 40% of production, being rain-fed. IMD has however warned of flooding in Uttarakhand, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi , parts of east Central India including Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, and parts of Maharashtra . 'Our long range forecast indicates that Uttarakhand, Haryana-Chandigarh-Haryana region and several parts of central and east central India will receive above-normal rain. We should take care and there should be continuous monitoring. There are several river basins in these areas, rivulets are also flowing here and hence reservoirs need continuous monitoring so that there is timely release of excess water,' said M Mohapatra, director general, IMD. 'It is also important to note that there are several south flowing rivers in Uttarakhand and there are important towns and cities along these rivers. We need to be cautious. Do not be complacent,' added Mohapatra. The Ganga and Yamuna also originate in Uttarakhand. Both day and night temperatures are expected to be normal to below normal in many areas in July, IMD said. 'Monthly average maximum temperatures are expected to remain normal to below normal in many regions, except northeast India and some areas of the northwest, east and southern peninsula, where they are likely to be above normal,' IMD said. 'Minimum temperatures are expected to be normal to below normal over many parts of the country. However, above normal minimum temperatures are likely over Northeast India, many parts of south peninsular India and some parts of Northwest, East and Central India,' IMD added in its forecast. June was relatively cool. Average maximum temperature during June (34.11 degree C) was 36th lowest and average minimum temperature (24.88 degree C) was 86th lowest since 1901. Mean temperature was also 57th lowest for the country. Rainfall in June was around 9% excess over the country. Around 70 stations reported extremely heavy rain (over 20 cm) and 432 stations reported very heavy rain (15 to 20 cm). As HT has previously reported, aggregate rainfall hides regional disparities.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Collective stock in 4 Khadakwasla circle dams climbs to halfway-mark, highest June-end storage in at least a decade
1 2 3 Pune: The collective stock in four Khadakwasla circle dams reached halfway-mark of 14.5 TMC against their total capacity of 29.15 TMC on Monday, marking their highest June-end storage in over a decade. Irrigation department officials said the surplus offered a huge relief, especially since the storage exceeded PMC's sanctioned annual quota of 11.5 TMC. The officials were, however, quick to acknowledge that the civic body lifted more than 18 TMC of water from the four dams annually. "July and Aug are considered months of heavy rain, which is expected to further boost the storage in the four dams. The June-end storage is a good sign, assuring that the city will not face water cuts anytime soon," an official said. According to the officials, the four dams added 10 TMC of stock in a month, of which about 2.3 TMC has been released from the Khadakwasla dam into the Mutha river following intense rain spells in the catchments. On Monday, stock in Varasgaon and Khadakwasla exceeded 50% of their individual capacities, while storages in Panshet and Temghar were at 47% and 36%, respectively. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune Another official from the Pune irrigation circle said the collective stock of 14.5 TMC was 10 TMC more than last year's storage of 4 TMC in the four Khadakwasla circle dams. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gentle Japanese hair growth method for men and women's scalp Hair's Rich Learn More Undo "Early monsoon onset and subsequent heavy rainfall spells contributed to the significant increase in water levels in almost all dams in the Bhima basin. Over one month, key dams like Temghar, Panshet, Varasgaon, Pavana and Mulshi recorded rainfall ranging between 800mm and 1,000mm. Other key dams like Vadivale, Nira Devghar and Andra also received around 600-800mm. As per IMD, more rain is expected in the catchments over the next few weeks," the official said. Stock in the Bhama Askhed dam, which supplies water to the city's eastern parts, stood at 41% on Monday, while storage in the Pavana dam (a water source for Pimpri Chinchwad) reached 58%. The officials said although stocks in dams were up significantly, the teams deployed at various reservoirs would continue to monitor water levels as their individual stocks were yet to reach their capacities. The irrigation department on Monday continued with the release of water from nine of 26 major dams in the Bhima basin, including Ujani and Veer. The discharge from Khadakwasla into the Mutha river was reduced to a rate of 340 cusecs. The discharge from Ujani was maintained at 15,000 cusecs into the Bhima river, while Veer and Ghod dams released water at the rates of 3,700 cusecs and 5,000 cusecs, respectively. Water stock in dams Collective stock: 14.5 TMC (50%), last year: 4 TMC (13.5%) Khadakwasla: 61% Panshet: 47% Varasgaon: 55% Temghar: 36% Bhama Askhed: 41% Pavana: 58% Rain gauge 800mm to 1,000mm: Mulshi, Temghar, Panshet, Varasgaon, Pavana, Gunjawani, Vadivale (Since June 1) Pune: The collective stock in four Khadakwasla circle dams reached halfway-mark of 14.5 TMC against their total capacity of 29.15 TMC on Monday, marking their highest June-end storage in over a decade. Irrigation department officials said the surplus offered a huge relief, especially since the storage exceeded PMC's sanctioned annual quota of 11.5 TMC. The officials were, however, quick to acknowledge that the civic body lifted more than 18 TMC of water from the four dams annually. "July and Aug are considered months of heavy rain, which is expected to further boost the storage in the four dams. The June-end storage is a good sign, assuring that the city will not face water cuts anytime soon," an official said. According to the officials, the four dams added 10 TMC of stock in a month, of which about 2.3 TMC has been released from the Khadakwasla dam into the Mutha river following intense rain spells in the catchments. On Monday, stock in Varasgaon and Khadakwasla exceeded 50% of their individual capacities, while storages in Panshet and Temghar were at 47% and 36%, respectively. Another official from the Pune irrigation circle said the collective stock of 14.5 TMC was 10 TMC more than last year's storage of 4 TMC in the four Khadakwasla circle dams. "Early monsoon onset and subsequent heavy rainfall spells contributed to the significant increase in water levels in almost all dams in the Bhima basin. Over one month, key dams like Temghar, Panshet, Varasgaon, Pavana and Mulshi recorded rainfall ranging between 800mm and 1,000mm. Other key dams like Vadivale, Nira Devghar and Andra also received around 600-800mm. As per IMD, more rain is expected in the catchments over the next few weeks," the official said. Stock in the Bhama Askhed dam, which supplies water to the city's eastern parts, stood at 41% on Monday, while storage in the Pavana dam (a water source for Pimpri Chinchwad) reached 58%. The officials said although stocks in dams were up significantly, the teams deployed at various reservoirs would continue to monitor water levels as their individual stocks were yet to reach their capacities. The irrigation department on Monday continued with the release of water from nine of 26 major dams in the Bhima basin, including Ujani and Veer. The discharge from Khadakwasla into the Mutha river was reduced to a rate of 340 cusecs. The discharge from Ujani was maintained at 15,000 cusecs into the Bhima river, while Veer and Ghod dams released water at the rates of 3,700 cusecs and 5,000 cusecs, respectively. Water stock in dams Collective stock: 14.5 TMC (50%), last year: 4 TMC (13.5%) Khadakwasla: 61% Panshet: 47% Varasgaon: 55% Temghar: 36% Bhama Askhed: 41% Pavana: 58% Rain gauge 800mm to 1,000mm: Mulshi, Temghar, Panshet, Varasgaon, Pavana, Gunjawani, Vadivale (Since June 1)
India Gazette
3 hours ago
- India Gazette
"Traffic movement severely affected, restoration efforts underway": DM on Uttarkashi landslides
Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) [India], July 1 (ANI): Following major landslides in the Silai Band area, Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya on Monday said that traffic movement has been severely affected due to road washouts at multiple locations, but restoration efforts are underway on a war footing. Speaking to ANI, DM Arya said, 'Traffic has been disrupted due to road washout at three places in Silai Band area. Work is being done on a war footing to make the road smooth for traffic.' DM Arya stated that instructions have been issued to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Forest Department to construct an alternative route to ensure safe pedestrian movement in the region. 'In view of the washout of the road in the Ojri area, necessary instructions have been given to the ITBP and Forest Department for the construction of an alternative route there, so that safe movement by foot in the affected area can be made smooth movement of vehicles will be restored to Silai Band by tomorrow,' he said. Landslides triggered by heavy rains have been recurring across Uttarkashi district, hampering road connectivity and posing challenges for both locals and tourists. The administration, along with disaster response agencies, has been actively engaged in clearing debris and ensuring essential connectivity is restored swiftly. Uttarkashi DM Prashant Arya inspected the relief and rescue operations, which are underway at the site of the incident. Two workers have died in the incident, and seven people are still missing. Earlier in the day, Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police (SP) Sarita Dobhal inspected the landslide-affected areas along the Yamunotri National Highway and reviewed the safety measures in place to manage the situation. 'SP Uttarkashi Sarita Dobhal inspected various landslide zones on the Yamunotri National Highway and reviewed and assessed the safety management today, ' posted Uttarkashi Police, Uttarakhand on X. Meanwhile, officials stated that the 24-hour suspension of the Char Dham Yatra has been lifted. The ban was imposed following a heavy rain alert. The Yatra was suspended after a cloudburst near Barkot triggered a massive landslide, killing two workers and leaving seven others missing. Earlier, the Barkot-Yamunotri road in Uttarkashi district, which had been damaged by a landslide, was repaired. However, search operations for the missing individuals are still underway. Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed to ANI that 'repairs have been completed on the washout before Silai Band, and that efforts are ongoing to restore other damaged portions of the road.' 'The washout that happened due to a cloud burst before Silai Band on the Barkot-Yamunotri road of the district has been repaired and the road has been made smooth, while the work of making the other washout smooth is going on,' Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya said. (ANI)
