Monsoon – Heavy Rainfall Disrupts Life Across Several Indian States

Monsoon – Active monsoon conditions triggered widespread rainfall across India on Saturday, affecting transport, public safety and daily routines in several states. The India Meteorological Department said a well-marked low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal is expected to keep the monsoon active over central India for the next four to five days.

Rainfall Outlook Across India –

The IMD reported exceptionally heavy rain in parts of Saurashtra, where 57 cm of rainfall was recorded during the 24 hours ending Saturday morning. Extremely heavy rain, measured at 21 cm or more, was also reported from areas of West Madhya Pradesh, Saurashtra and Kutch, Konkan and Madhya Maharashtra.

Very heavy rainfall between 12 cm and 20 cm was observed in Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, Kerala and Mahe, Coastal Karnataka and Odisha. Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, East Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, South Interior Karnataka, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim received heavy showers ranging from 7 cm to 11 cm.

Mumbai Region Faces Severe Waterlogging –

The IMD issued a red alert for Mumbai, Palghar, Thane and Raigad on July 4, warning of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Palghar remained under the red alert for July 5 as well.

Heavy rain in Mumbai and nearby areas caused flooding on roads, traffic disruption and damage to civic infrastructure. In Chembur, a tree uprooted by strong winds fell on a school bus carrying students from Universal High School and Tilak Nagar School. Rescue workers used cutting equipment to free the children, but 11-year-old Vihan Shrivastav later died from injuries.

In Sakinaka, 60-year-old Aslam Isak Shaikh died after falling into an open manhole during the downpour. Reports said he was using his mobile phone when he slipped into the unguarded drain and was carried away by the flow of water. His body was found after a search lasting around three hours.

Traffic was also affected after a truck overturned near Kharghar Toll Plaza on the Sion-Panvel Highway. Waterlogging was reported in East Dadar, Sion Gandhi Market and other low-lying areas, prompting authorities to advise people against unnecessary travel.

Tourists Rescued From Tandulwadi Fort –

In Palghar district, six tourists stranded on Tandulwadi Fort due to dense fog and persistent rain were rescued by police and local emergency teams. The operation began after an alert was received through Dial 112. All six people were brought down safely.

Kerala Issues Flood and Landslide Warning –

Several districts in Kerala experienced strong winds and heavy rain, leading to rising water levels in rivers and dams, flooding in low-lying localities and damage to property. Two compound walls collapsed in Palakkad, while authorities opened shutters of the Pambla Dam in Idukki as a precaution.

Residents living near the Periyar River were asked to remain watchful. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority said moderate to heavy rain could continue in several districts, along with wind speeds of up to 40 kmph. It warned of possible flooding, landslides and power interruptions, and advised vulnerable residents to shift to safer places if required. Educational institutions in Thrissur district were closed for the day.

Rajasthan and West Bengal Remain on Alert –

Rajasthan received light to moderate rain in many areas, with isolated heavy showers. Pachpadra in Balotra district recorded the highest rainfall at 8 cm, followed by Dungarpur at 7 cm. The IMD forecast more rain over the next three days and issued orange alerts for several districts. A yellow alert remains in place across most of the state, except Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Phalodi.

In West Bengal, the low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to strengthen into a deep depression, raising the possibility of extremely heavy rain in southern districts. Red alerts were issued for South 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur, while nearby districts were placed under orange alert. Disaster response teams and control rooms have been activated as Kolkata and surrounding areas prepare for heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds.