The Odisha government put all the 30 districts of the state on alert Saturday in view of the IMD forecasting enhanced heavy rainfall for the next three days, officials said.

The step was taken in view of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicating the formation of a low-pressure area in North Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas, which is likely to intensify into a depression during the subsequent 48 hours.

"Under its influence, enhanced rainfall activity is very likely over the districts of Odisha," Director of IMD, Bhubaneswar H R Biswas said.

Due to the likely formation of a low-pressure area over north Bay of Bengal, squally weather with the wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph is likely to prevail over north Bay of Bengal and the adjoining west central bay from June 30 to July 2, he added.

In an advisory issued to the district collectors, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said, "Administrative machinery of all the districts has been asked to remain alert to meet any localised flood/waterlogging situation that may arise in the event of extremely very heavy rainfall. The situation may be closely watched."

The SRC said Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Ganjam, Nabarangpur, Mayurbhanj, Malkangiri and Balasore districts were specially told to remain alert.

The IMD advised fishermen not to venture along and off the Odisha coast and north Bay of Bengal from June 30 to July 2.

Those who had ventured to the deep sea were advised to return to the coast by June 29 night, the IMD said.

Extremely heavy rainfall at one or two places in Bhadrak, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Kendrapada districts and heavy to very heavy rainfall at one or two places in the coastal districts, besides in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Angul, Deogarh, Sambalpur, Kandhmal and Malkangiri have been forecast on Sunday, the department said.

It forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall on Monday with extremely heavy rainfall likely to occur over one or two places in Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Sonepur and Boudh districts.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur over one or two places of Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Jajpur and Sundargarh districts, the IMD said.

Jharsuguda, Sundergarh, Bargarh, Nuapada, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur and Koraput districts are likely to experience heavy rainfall on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The Odisha government put all the 30 districts of the state on alert Saturday in view of the IMD forecasting enhanced heavy rainfall for the next three days, officials said.

The Odisha government put all the 30 districts of the state on alert Saturday in view of the IMD forecasting enhanced heavy rainfall for the next three days, officials said. The step was taken in view of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicating the formation of a low-pressure area in North Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas, which is likely to intensify into a depression during the subsequent 48 hours. "Under its influence, enhanced rainfall activity is very likely over the districts of Odisha," Director of IMD, Bhubaneswar H R Biswas said. Due to the likely formation of a low-pressure area over north Bay of Bengal, squally weather with the wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph is likely to prevail over north Bay of Bengal and the adjoining west central bay from June 30 to July 2, he added. In an advisory issued to the district collectors, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said, "Administrative machinery of all the districts has been asked to remain alert to meet any localised flood/waterlogging situation that may arise in the event of extremely very heavy rainfall. The situation may be closely watched." The SRC said Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Ganjam, Nabarangpur, Mayurbhanj, Malkangiri and Balasore districts were specially told to remain alert. The IMD advised fishermen not to venture along and off the Odisha coast and north Bay of Bengal from June 30 to July 2. Those who had ventured to the deep sea were advised to return to the coast by June 29 night, the IMD said. Extremely heavy rainfall at one or two places in Bhadrak, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Kendrapada districts and heavy to very heavy rainfall at one or two places in the coastal districts, besides in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Angul, Deogarh, Sambalpur, Kandhmal and Malkangiri have been forecast on Sunday, the department said. It forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall on Monday with extremely heavy rainfall likely to occur over one or two places in Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Sonepur and Boudh districts. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur over one or two places of Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Jajpur and Sundargarh districts, the IMD said. Jharsuguda, Sundergarh, Bargarh, Nuapada, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur and Koraput districts are likely to experience heavy rainfall on Tuesday.

Odisha government puts all districts on alert due to forecast of heavy rain

Twenty-two people were killed and seven injured in Maharashtra and Jharkhand in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heavy-rainfall-to-lash-mumbai-for-next-three-days-india-meteorological-department-231366">rain-related incidents</a>, even as the dry spell continued in most parts of north India which was reeling under sweltering heat.

At least 15 people, including four children, were killed and two injured in Pune when a portion of the 22-ft high compound wall of a housing society collapsed on adjoining shanties following incessant rains, trapping the sleeping families under the debris, officials said.

The incident took place between 1:30 am and 1:45 am at Kondhwa and the victims were labourers and their family members, a majority of them from Bihar, who were living in makeshift shelters at the under-construction residential project where deep excavation work was underway.

Heavy monsoon rains continued to lash Mumbai and its neighbouring areas for the second consecutive day on Saturday and at least five persons were injured in rain-related incidents, officials said.

The suburban local trains, called the lifeline of Mumbai, remained largely unaffected and were running as per their schedule. However, in view of IMD's heavy rainfall forecast, the Central Railway (CR) cancelled some express or passenger trains, especially those between Mumbai and Pune.

According to the officials of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), 39 incidents of short circuit, 104 incidents of the uprooting of trees or falling of tree branches were reported from various parts of the city.

In Maharashtra's Thane district, two people died of electrocution in separate incidents caused by incessant rains on late Friday night. While the first incident occurred in Thane city, the other one occurred in Ambarnath.

Two people died on Saturday after being struck by lightning in separate incidents in Maharashtra's Buldhana district, police said.

While Shrikrishna Dhabal (69) was struck by a lightning bolt while working in his field in Sangrampur taluka, farm labourer Yuvraj Gavande (35) died in a similar manner in Jalgaon village, they said.

Three people, including two teenagers, died in lightning strikes in Jharkhand's Gumla district during heavy rains on Friday evening.

In the national capital, the mercury settled five notches above normal on Sunday. The minimum temperature was recorded at 30 degrees Celsius, two notches above normal, while the maximum temperature settled at 42.3 degrees, five notches above normal.&nbsp;

Parts of south Gujarat received extremely heavy rainfall Saturday, with the IMD stating that districts in the south and central parts of the state were likely to receive heavy rainfall over the next two days with upper cyclonic circulation formed over the region.

The IMD warned of heavy rains in Valsad, Navsari, Dangs, Surat, Narmada, Chhota Udepur and Vadodara districts over the next two days, adding that upper cyclonic circulation had formed over the south Gujarat region.

Valsad received 130 millimetres rainfall in a 24-hour period till Saturday morning, while Bhavnagar and Vadodara got 52.8 and 34 mm rainfall respectively, IMD data showed.&nbsp;

The heatwave continued to sweep the Jammu region as the mercury touched 43.1 degrees Celsius, four degrees above average. Summer capital Srinagar, on the other hand, continued to experience pleasant weather with a high of 29.6 degrees Celsius, up by over two notches but below the season's average.

In Punjab and Haryana, rains remained elusive even as the maximum temperatures were recorded to be between two to five notches above normal. Bhiwani and Narnaul were the hottest places in the twin states with the mercury settling at a high of 42.8 degrees Celsius, three notches above normal.

While Amritsar braved a high of 42.4 degrees Celsius, five notches above normal, the maximum temperature at Ambala was 41.8 degrees Celsius, also five notches above normal.

Moderate rain and thunderstorm were witnessed at isolated places in Eastern Uttar Pradesh even Banda was recorded as the hottest place in the state, recording a temperature of 44.8 degrees Celsius, which is eight degrees above normal.

Heatwave also swept some parts of the state and Allahabad sizzled at 44 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

According to the IMD, rain and thundershowers were observed at many places over Assam, Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, North Interior Karnataka and at most places over Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh and Goa.

Extremely heavy rainfall was observed at a few places over Konkan and Goa and Gujarat region, it said.

The Meteorological Department has issued a fresh yellow weather warning for a thunderstorm in Himachal Pradesh for July 3. It has forecast thunderstorms accompanied with hailstorm and gusty winds in several parts of middle hills of the state on July 3. 
 
The weather office issues colour-coded warnings to alert people ahead of severe or hazardous weather that has the potential to cause "damage, widespread disruption or danger to life". Yellow is the least dangerous of all the weather warnings. It indicates the possibility of severe weather over the next few days.

The Odisha government Saturday put all 30 districts in the state on alert in view of the IMD forecasting enhanced heavy rainfall over the next three days. The step was taken after the IMD indicated the formation of a low-pressure area in north Bay of Bengal and neighbourhood, which is likely to intensify into a depression during the subsequent 48 hours.

"Under its influence, enhanced rainfall activity is very likely over the districts of Odisha," said H R Biswas, the director of the IMD, Bhubaneswar.

 
&nbsp;

Twenty-two people were killed and seven injured in Maharashtra and Jharkhand in rain-related incidents, even as the dry spell continued in most parts of north India which was reeling under sweltering heat.

Twenty-two people were killed and seven injured in Maharashtra and Jharkhand in rain-related incidents, even as the dry spell continued in most parts of north India which was reeling under sweltering heat. At least 15 people, including four children, were killed and two injured in Pune when a portion of the 22-ft high compound wall of a housing society collapsed on adjoining shanties following incessant rains, trapping the sleeping families under the debris, officials said. The incident took place between 1:30 am and 1:45 am at Kondhwa and the victims were labourers and their family members, a majority of them from Bihar, who were living in makeshift shelters at the under-construction residential project where deep excavation work was underway. Heavy monsoon rains continued to lash Mumbai and its neighbouring areas for the second consecutive day on Saturday and at least five persons were injured in rain-related incidents, officials said. The suburban local trains, called the lifeline of Mumbai, remained largely unaffected and were running as per their schedule. However, in view of IMD's heavy rainfall forecast, the Central Railway (CR) cancelled some express or passenger trains, especially those between Mumbai and Pune. According to the officials of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), 39 incidents of short circuit, 104 incidents of the uprooting of trees or falling of tree branches were reported from various parts of the city. In Maharashtra's Thane district, two people died of electrocution in separate incidents caused by incessant rains on late Friday night. While the first incident occurred in Thane city, the other one occurred in Ambarnath. Two people died on Saturday after being struck by lightning in separate incidents in Maharashtra's Buldhana district, police said. While Shrikrishna Dhabal (69) was struck by a lightning bolt while working in his field in Sangrampur taluka, farm labourer Yuvraj Gavande (35) died in a similar manner in Jalgaon village, they said. Three people, including two teenagers, died in lightning strikes in Jharkhand's Gumla district during heavy rains on Friday evening. In the national capital, the mercury settled five notches above normal on Sunday. The minimum temperature was recorded at 30 degrees Celsius, two notches above normal, while the maximum temperature settled at 42.3 degrees, five notches above normal. Parts of south Gujarat received extremely heavy rainfall Saturday, with the IMD stating that districts in the south and central parts of the state were likely to receive heavy rainfall over the next two days with upper cyclonic circulation formed over the region. The IMD warned of heavy rains in Valsad, Navsari, Dangs, Surat, Narmada, Chhota Udepur and Vadodara districts over the next two days, adding that upper cyclonic circulation had formed over the south Gujarat region. Valsad received 130 millimetres rainfall in a 24-hour period till Saturday morning, while Bhavnagar and Vadodara got 52.8 and 34 mm rainfall respectively, IMD data showed. The heatwave continued to sweep the Jammu region as the mercury touched 43.1 degrees Celsius, four degrees above average. Summer capital Srinagar, on the other hand, continued to experience pleasant weather with a high of 29.6 degrees Celsius, up by over two notches but below the season's average. In Punjab and Haryana, rains remained elusive even as the maximum temperatures were recorded to be between two to five notches above normal. Bhiwani and Narnaul were the hottest places in the twin states with the mercury settling at a high of 42.8 degrees Celsius, three notches above normal. While Amritsar braved a high of 42.4 degrees Celsius, five notches above normal, the maximum temperature at Ambala was 41.8 degrees Celsius, also five notches above normal. Moderate rain and thunderstorm were witnessed at isolated places in Eastern Uttar Pradesh even Banda was recorded as the hottest place in the state, recording a temperature of 44.8 degrees Celsius, which is eight degrees above normal. Heatwave also swept some parts of the state and Allahabad sizzled at 44 degrees Celsius. According to the IMD, rain and thundershowers were observed at many places over Assam, Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, North Interior Karnataka and at most places over Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh and Goa. Extremely heavy rainfall was observed at a few places over Konkan and Goa and Gujarat region, it said. The Meteorological Department has issued a fresh yellow weather warning for a thunderstorm in Himachal Pradesh for July 3. It has forecast thunderstorms accompanied with hailstorm and gusty winds in several parts of middle hills of the state on July 3. The weather office issues colour-coded warnings to alert people ahead of severe or hazardous weather that has the potential to cause "damage, widespread disruption or danger to life". Yellow is the least dangerous of all the weather warnings. It indicates the possibility of severe weather over the next few days. The Odisha government Saturday put all 30 districts in the state on alert in view of the IMD forecasting enhanced heavy rainfall over the next three days. The step was taken after the IMD indicated the formation of a low-pressure area in north Bay of Bengal and neighbourhood, which is likely to intensify into a depression during the subsequent 48 hours. "Under its influence, enhanced rainfall activity is very likely over the districts of Odisha," said H R Biswas, the director of the IMD, Bhubaneswar.

22 killed in rain-related incidents in Maharashtra, Jharkhand; dry spell continues in North India

Several areas of Mumbai woke up to heavy downpour on Saturday with the weather department predicting heavy rains for the next three days.

Today, the minimum and maximum temperatures will hover around 24 degree Celsius and 31 degree Celsius with relative humidity at 89 per cent.

However, due to negligence by the local authorities, two people died and three sustained injuries in separate incidents in the western suburbs due to electrocution, yesterday. An investigation into the fatal incidents has been carried out by the police.

The heavy downpour will not stop for the next three days and the temperature will be around 25 degree Celsius. Besides, the Mumbai doppler radar also showed 50.46 per cent cloud build-up in the region, predicted India Meteorological Department.

According to the Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency, so far Mumbai has recorded 404 mm of rains against the average of 493 mm.

"The off-shore trough along the West Coast and the cyclonic circulation over east-central Arabian Sea have kept the Monsoon active to vigorous over Mumbai and nearby coastal areas of Konkan region," the Skymet stated.

Several areas of Mumbai woke up to heavy downpour on Saturday with the weather department predicting heavy rains for the next three days. Today, the minimum and maximum temperatures will hover around 24 degree Celsius and 31 degree Celsius with relative humidity at 89 per cent.

Several areas of Mumbai woke up to heavy downpour on Saturday with the weather department predicting heavy rains for the next three days. Today, the minimum and maximum temperatures will hover around 24 degree Celsius and 31 degree Celsius with relative humidity at 89 per cent. However, due to negligence by the local authorities, two people died and three sustained injuries in separate incidents in the western suburbs due to electrocution, yesterday. An investigation into the fatal incidents has been carried out by the police. The heavy downpour will not stop for the next three days and the temperature will be around 25 degree Celsius. Besides, the Mumbai doppler radar also showed 50.46 per cent cloud build-up in the region, predicted India Meteorological Department. According to the Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency, so far Mumbai has recorded 404 mm of rains against the average of 493 mm. "The off-shore trough along the West Coast and the cyclonic circulation over east-central Arabian Sea have kept the Monsoon active to vigorous over Mumbai and nearby coastal areas of Konkan region," the Skymet stated.

Heavy rainfall to lash Mumbai for next three days: India Meteorological Department

Eight people were killed and five injured in rain-related incidents in Maharashtra where several parts were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-gets-first-spell-of-heavy-rains-traffic-affected-231183">lashed by heavy rains on Friday</a>, even as dry weather prevailed in northern India.

In the national capital, monsoon is likely to make an onset on July 3, after a delay of four days. Normally, the wind system reaches Delhi around June 29.

"A low-pressure area is likely to develop in the Bay of Bengal on June 30 which will cause easterly winds to move towards north India and help the monsoon advance," senior scientist at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Kuldeep Srivastava said.&nbsp;

"Monsoon is likely to make an onset in the national capital on July 3. Initially, the city will witness only light rain activity," he said.&nbsp;

On Friday, hot and dry conditions prevailed in the national capital, with the mercury crossing the 43-degree Celsius mark in some parts of the city.&nbsp;

The Safdarjung Observatory, which provides official figures for the city, recorded a maximum of 41.5 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 27.2 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels oscillated between 26 and 69 per cent.

The weather stations at Palam, Ayanagar and Sports Complex recorded the mercury at 43.8, 42.9 and 43.4 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

In Mumbai, three persons were killed and five injured in rain-related incidents as the metropolis was lashed by the first spell of heavy rains this monsoon that marked its most delayed arrival in the city in 45 years.

Mumbaikars woke up to heavy rains, ending a long dry spell, but a few hours of incessant showers left the financial capital struggling with familiar monsoon woes of waterlogging, delayed trains, traffic jams and choked drains.

Three persons died of electric shocks, while two others were injured in two separate incidents in the western suburbs, a spokesperson of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.

The deceased were identified as Kashima Yudiyar (60), a resident of Andheri (East), Rajendra Yadav (60) and Sanjay Yadav (24) -- both from Goregaon (East), the civic official said.

Two others suffered injuries in the Goregaon incident and were admitted to a local hospital, he said.

Three persons were injured when a portion of a wall collapsed in Dadar (East) amid rains, he said, adding that they were admitted to the civic-run KEM Hospital.

More rains have been forecast in the next 24 hours.

Suburban train services, considered Mumbai's lifeline, were running late by 10 to 15 minutes, said Railway officials.

Till 4 pm on June 28, the Colaba observatory had recorded 19.2 mm rain and the Santacruz observatory 138 mm rain, the BMC said.

In Palghar in Maharashtra, an eight-year-old boy died after being struck by lightning while two farm labourers were killed in Akola. Two persons, including a teenage girl, were killed in rain-related incidents in Nashik district which was lashed by heavy showers for the fourth consecutive day.

Several parts of eastern and central India, including Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, the Northeast and coastal areas were lashed by heavy rains with some places recording very heavy rains, according to the IMD.&nbsp;

In Chennai, which has been reeling under water crisis, a host of measures such as rainwater harvesting and increasing the number of trips by tankers have been taken to mitigate the crisis city.&nbsp;

From around 9,000 trips, the number has gone up to 11,360 trips every day, Rural and Municipal Administration Minister S P Velumani said , adding "it was never done before."&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Heat wave conditions intensified in Jammu as the maximum temperature settled at 42.4 degrees Celsius, 4.7 notches above the season's average, and the highest in the last two weeks, a meteorological (MeT) department official said.

The maximum temperature in the city marked an increase of 2.4 notches compared to previous days 40.2 degrees Celsius, forcing many to remain indoors.

Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital Srinagar, on the other hand, continued to experience pleasant weather as the mercury recorded a dip following rain which lasted for several hours on Thursday evening.

The city recorded a high of 27.7 degrees Celsius (2.9 degrees below normal) and a low of 11.9 (5.4 degrees below normal), the spokesperson said.&nbsp;

Parts of Rajasthan recorded rainfall ranging from 2 to 8 cm in the last 24 hours, a MeT official said.

Despite receiving 0.8 mm rainfall, Churu was the hottest place in the state recording a maximum temperature of 44.3 degree Celsius.

It was followed by Sriganganagar (43.2 degrees Celsius), Bikaner (43.1 degrees Celsius), Barmer (41.2 degrees Celsius) and Ajmer (41 degrees Celsius).

Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow recorded a maximum temperature of 42 degrees Celsius, seven degrees above the normal.

Rain or thundershower is very likely at isolated places over the state on Jun 29, according to the MeT office.

Heat wave condition is very likely to prevail at isolated places over eastern Uttar Pradesh on June 29. Banda was the hottest place in UP at 44.2 degrees Celsius.

Most parts of Haryana and Punjab recorded maximum temperatures above the normal limits with Amritsar being the hottest place in both the state at 42 degrees Celsius.

Eight people were killed and five injured in rain-related incidents in Maharashtra where several parts were lashed by heavy rains on Friday, even as dry weather prevailed in northern India.

Eight people were killed and five injured in rain-related incidents in Maharashtra where several parts were lashed by heavy rains on Friday, even as dry weather prevailed in northern India. In the national capital, monsoon is likely to make an onset on July 3, after a delay of four days. Normally, the wind system reaches Delhi around June 29. "A low-pressure area is likely to develop in the Bay of Bengal on June 30 which will cause easterly winds to move towards north India and help the monsoon advance," senior scientist at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Kuldeep Srivastava said. "Monsoon is likely to make an onset in the national capital on July 3. Initially, the city will witness only light rain activity," he said. On Friday, hot and dry conditions prevailed in the national capital, with the mercury crossing the 43-degree Celsius mark in some parts of the city. The Safdarjung Observatory, which provides official figures for the city, recorded a maximum of 41.5 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 27.2 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels oscillated between 26 and 69 per cent. The weather stations at Palam, Ayanagar and Sports Complex recorded the mercury at 43.8, 42.9 and 43.4 degrees Celsius. In Mumbai, three persons were killed and five injured in rain-related incidents as the metropolis was lashed by the first spell of heavy rains this monsoon that marked its most delayed arrival in the city in 45 years. Mumbaikars woke up to heavy rains, ending a long dry spell, but a few hours of incessant showers left the financial capital struggling with familiar monsoon woes of waterlogging, delayed trains, traffic jams and choked drains. Three persons died of electric shocks, while two others were injured in two separate incidents in the western suburbs, a spokesperson of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. The deceased were identified as Kashima Yudiyar (60), a resident of Andheri (East), Rajendra Yadav (60) and Sanjay Yadav (24) -- both from Goregaon (East), the civic official said. Two others suffered injuries in the Goregaon incident and were admitted to a local hospital, he said. Three persons were injured when a portion of a wall collapsed in Dadar (East) amid rains, he said, adding that they were admitted to the civic-run KEM Hospital. More rains have been forecast in the next 24 hours. Suburban train services, considered Mumbai's lifeline, were running late by 10 to 15 minutes, said Railway officials. Till 4 pm on June 28, the Colaba observatory had recorded 19.2 mm rain and the Santacruz observatory 138 mm rain, the BMC said. In Palghar in Maharashtra, an eight-year-old boy died after being struck by lightning while two farm labourers were killed in Akola. Two persons, including a teenage girl, were killed in rain-related incidents in Nashik district which was lashed by heavy showers for the fourth consecutive day. Several parts of eastern and central India, including Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, the Northeast and coastal areas were lashed by heavy rains with some places recording very heavy rains, according to the IMD. In Chennai, which has been reeling under water crisis, a host of measures such as rainwater harvesting and increasing the number of trips by tankers have been taken to mitigate the crisis city. From around 9,000 trips, the number has gone up to 11,360 trips every day, Rural and Municipal Administration Minister S P Velumani said , adding "it was never done before." Heat wave conditions intensified in Jammu as the maximum temperature settled at 42.4 degrees Celsius, 4.7 notches above the season's average, and the highest in the last two weeks, a meteorological (MeT) department official said. The maximum temperature in the city marked an increase of 2.4 notches compared to previous days 40.2 degrees Celsius, forcing many to remain indoors. Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital Srinagar, on the other hand, continued to experience pleasant weather as the mercury recorded a dip following rain which lasted for several hours on Thursday evening. The city recorded a high of 27.7 degrees Celsius (2.9 degrees below normal) and a low of 11.9 (5.4 degrees below normal), the spokesperson said. Parts of Rajasthan recorded rainfall ranging from 2 to 8 cm in the last 24 hours, a MeT official said. Despite receiving 0.8 mm rainfall, Churu was the hottest place in the state recording a maximum temperature of 44.3 degree Celsius. It was followed by Sriganganagar (43.2 degrees Celsius), Bikaner (43.1 degrees Celsius), Barmer (41.2 degrees Celsius) and Ajmer (41 degrees Celsius). Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow recorded a maximum temperature of 42 degrees Celsius, seven degrees above the normal. Rain or thundershower is very likely at isolated places over the state on Jun 29, according to the MeT office. Heat wave condition is very likely to prevail at isolated places over eastern Uttar Pradesh on June 29. Banda was the hottest place in UP at 44.2 degrees Celsius. Most parts of Haryana and Punjab recorded maximum temperatures above the normal limits with Amritsar being the hottest place in both the state at 42 degrees Celsius.

8 killed in rain-related incidents in Maharashtra, no respite from heat in north India

Delhi and its adjoining region are likely to receive moderate rain today, predicted India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The minimum and maximum temperatures of the national capital will hover around 26 degree Celsius and 34 degree Celsius with generally cloudy sky.

Apart from Delhi, thunderstorm accompanied with lightning and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) at isolated places very likely over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, East Rajasthan and West Madhya Pradesh, stated the weather forecasting agency in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin.

"Heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Konkan and Goa and Arunachal Pradesh. Heavy rainfall at isolated places over Coastal Karnataka, Madhya Maharashtra, Gujarat region, West Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar and Andaman and Nicobar islands," the organisation added.

Rough sea conditions are likely to prevail over southwest and west central Arabian Sea. The IMD has adviced fishermen not to venture into these areas.&nbsp;

Delhi and its adjoining region are likely to receive moderate rain today, predicted India Meteorological Department (IMD). The minimum and maximum temperatures of the national capital will hover around 26 degree Celsius and 34 degree Celsius with generally cloudy sky.

Delhi and its adjoining region are likely to receive moderate rain today, predicted India Meteorological Department (IMD). The minimum and maximum temperatures of the national capital will hover around 26 degree Celsius and 34 degree Celsius with generally cloudy sky. Apart from Delhi, thunderstorm accompanied with lightning and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) at isolated places very likely over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, East Rajasthan and West Madhya Pradesh, stated the weather forecasting agency in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin. "Heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Konkan and Goa and Arunachal Pradesh. Heavy rainfall at isolated places over Coastal Karnataka, Madhya Maharashtra, Gujarat region, West Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar and Andaman and Nicobar islands," the organisation added. Rough sea conditions are likely to prevail over southwest and west central Arabian Sea. The IMD has adviced fishermen not to venture into these areas.

Delhi-NCR likely to receive moderate rains: IMD

A day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-rejects-keralas-offer-of-20-lakh-litres-drinking-water-229085">Kerala extended support to Tamil Nadu </a>amid the severe water crisis in the state, Tamil Nadu chief minister K. Palaniswami on Friday urged the neighbouring state for further cooperation.

Welcoming Kerala's gesture to supply water to Tamil Nadu, the CM asked the Kerala government to cooperate in strengthening&nbsp;Mullaperiyar Dam.

Palaniswami said, "Tamil Nadu government is working to strengthen Mullaperiyar Dam in order to store more water. Unfortunately, the Kerala government is not letting us do this. I urge Kerala government to cooperate with us on this."&nbsp;

Pointing to the Supreme Court judgement on the Mullaiperiyar dam which had said that water could be stored to the full level of 152 ft after carrying out strengthening works, he alleged that Kerala, however, scuttled refurbishment works.

"I thank the Kerala Chief Minister, but 2 MLD water will not be sufficient. We are every day supplying 525 MLD water (in Chennai) and if 2 MLD water could be given every day, it will be useful for the people," he said.

"The four lakes that supply water to the city have dried up, the government has drawn up a plan to implement to bring water from Jolarpettai through railway. We'll get daily 10 MLD of water for the supply,"&nbsp;he added.

"Poondi, Chembarambakkam, Sholavaram and Red Hills reservoirs in Chennai have dried up and despite that supplies were being made to the people," he said.

The Kerala government Thursday expressed willingness to provide 20 lakh litres drinking water to Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu chief minister also raked up a controversy by his comments claiming that&nbsp;drought and deficient monsoon had resulted in depletion of groundwater levels but the issue was not as big as was being made out, especially in the media.

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after Kerala extended support to Tamil Nadu amid the severe water crisis in the state, Tamil Nadu chief minister K. Palaniswami on Friday urged the neighbouring state for further cooperation.

A day after Kerala extended support to Tamil Nadu amid the severe water crisis in the state, Tamil Nadu chief minister K. Palaniswami on Friday urged the neighbouring state for further cooperation. Welcoming Kerala's gesture to supply water to Tamil Nadu, the CM asked the Kerala government to cooperate in strengthening Mullaperiyar Dam. Palaniswami said, "Tamil Nadu government is working to strengthen Mullaperiyar Dam in order to store more water. Unfortunately, the Kerala government is not letting us do this. I urge Kerala government to cooperate with us on this." Pointing to the Supreme Court judgement on the Mullaiperiyar dam which had said that water could be stored to the full level of 152 ft after carrying out strengthening works, he alleged that Kerala, however, scuttled refurbishment works. "I thank the Kerala Chief Minister, but 2 MLD water will not be sufficient. We are every day supplying 525 MLD water (in Chennai) and if 2 MLD water could be given every day, it will be useful for the people," he said. "The four lakes that supply water to the city have dried up, the government has drawn up a plan to implement to bring water from Jolarpettai through railway. We'll get daily 10 MLD of water for the supply," he added. "Poondi, Chembarambakkam, Sholavaram and Red Hills reservoirs in Chennai have dried up and despite that supplies were being made to the people," he said. The Kerala government Thursday expressed willingness to provide 20 lakh litres drinking water to Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu chief minister also raked up a controversy by his comments claiming that drought and deficient monsoon had resulted in depletion of groundwater levels but the issue was not as big as was being made out, especially in the media. (With inputs from agencies)

Chennai water crisis: Palaniswami welcomes Kerala's water offer, asks for more cooperation

Heavy to very heavy rains are expected in Rajasthan, Andaman and Nicobar, Chhattisgarh and few other parts of the country today, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Monday.

"Heavy to Very Heavy rainfall at isolated places very likely over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim; Heavy rainfall at isolated places over south Rajasthan, Saurashtra and Kutch, Andaman and Nicobar, West Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya" NDMA tweeted today.

Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said, thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, hail and gusty winds (40-50kmph) are very likely to be expected in the isolated regions over west Madhya Pradesh and east Rajasthan on Monday.

Heavy to very heavy rains are predicted in the above regions for news three to four days, IMD released in a bulletin today.

In the wake of the severe <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-vayu-weakens-to-cross-gujarat-coast-by-night-227912">cyclone Vayu</a> recurving again, strong wind speed of the 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph very likely to commence along and off Gujarat coast from the morning and gradually become squally winds speed reaching 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph towards the afternoon.

The sea condition is likely to be rough to very rough over rest parts of east-central Arabian Sea and rough to very rough along and off Gujarat coast.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the north Arabian Sea, the east-central Arabian Sea and along and off Gujarat coast for next few days.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Heavy to very heavy rains are expected in Rajasthan, Andaman and Nicobar, Chhattisgarh and few other parts of the country today, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Monday.

Heavy to very heavy rains are expected in Rajasthan, Andaman and Nicobar, Chhattisgarh and few other parts of the country today, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Monday. "Heavy to Very Heavy rainfall at isolated places very likely over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim; Heavy rainfall at isolated places over south Rajasthan, Saurashtra and Kutch, Andaman and Nicobar, West Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya" NDMA tweeted today. Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said, thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, hail and gusty winds (40-50kmph) are very likely to be expected in the isolated regions over west Madhya Pradesh and east Rajasthan on Monday. Heavy to very heavy rains are predicted in the above regions for news three to four days, IMD released in a bulletin today. In the wake of the severe cyclone Vayu recurving again, strong wind speed of the 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph very likely to commence along and off Gujarat coast from the morning and gradually become squally winds speed reaching 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph towards the afternoon. The sea condition is likely to be rough to very rough over rest parts of east-central Arabian Sea and rough to very rough along and off Gujarat coast. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the north Arabian Sea, the east-central Arabian Sea and along and off Gujarat coast for next few days.

Heavy rains predicted for Rajasthan, Andaman and Nicobar, Chhattisgarh

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/partly-cloudy-morning-in-delhi-respite-from-heat-likely-later-in-the-day-226394">The national capital on Wednesday</a> evening was gripped by a sudden dust storm. Private weather agency Skymet Weather predicted "intense rains ahead" for Delhi with "heavy showers" in some parts.&nbsp;

Operations were temporarily halted at Indira Gandhi International airport due to the dust storm, news agency ANI reported. Till 7.50 pm, 27 flights had been diverted from Delhi airport.&nbsp;

Delhiites woke up to a partly cloudy morning on Wednesday, with the minimum temperature settling at 31 degrees Celsius, three notches above the season's average.

The weather department predicted some respite from the oppressive heat later in the day with gusty winds and thunderstorm to occur.

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Dust storm hits Delhi; Skymet Weather says "intense rains ahead, expect some parts to see heavy showers as well." <a href="https://t.co/tozHQSoG2Y">pic.twitter.com/tozHQSoG2Y</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1138803277863112705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Tuesday, the maximum temperature in the city was 44.5 degrees Celsius, five degrees above the season's average.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, all forces are on alert as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-vayu-turns-very-severe-10-districts-of-gujarat-on-alert-226555">Gujarat braces for Cyclone Vayu</a> to make landfall on Thursday. The Army, the Air Force, and the NDRF teams are deployed and put on standby for rescue and relief operations along with the coastal districts.

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Heavy dust storm hits Janpath Road and India Gate, in Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/WqiYvZq8Kq">pic.twitter.com/WqiYvZq8Kq</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1138804824181420034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has also deployed ships and aircraft to enable search and rescue post the landfall of the cyclonic storm.

Authorities have managed to evacuate around 1.60 lakh people on the coast to safer places.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The national capital on Wednesday evening was gripped by a sudden dust storm. Private weather agency Skymet Weather predicted "intense rains ahead" for Delhi with "heavy showers" in some parts.

The national capital on Wednesday evening was gripped by a sudden dust storm. Private weather agency Skymet Weather predicted "intense rains ahead" for Delhi with "heavy showers" in some parts. Operations were temporarily halted at Indira Gandhi International airport due to the dust storm, news agency ANI reported. Till 7.50 pm, 27 flights had been diverted from Delhi airport. Delhiites woke up to a partly cloudy morning on Wednesday, with the minimum temperature settling at 31 degrees Celsius, three notches above the season's average. The weather department predicted some respite from the oppressive heat later in the day with gusty winds and thunderstorm to occur. Dust storm hits Delhi; Skymet Weather says "intense rains ahead, expect some parts to see heavy showers as well." pic.twitter.com/tozHQSoG2Y — ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2019 × On Tuesday, the maximum temperature in the city was 44.5 degrees Celsius, five degrees above the season's average. Meanwhile, all forces are on alert as Gujarat braces for Cyclone Vayu to make landfall on Thursday. The Army, the Air Force, and the NDRF teams are deployed and put on standby for rescue and relief operations along with the coastal districts. Heavy dust storm hits Janpath Road and India Gate, in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/WqiYvZq8Kq — ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2019 × The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has also deployed ships and aircraft to enable search and rescue post the landfall of the cyclonic storm. Authorities have managed to evacuate around 1.60 lakh people on the coast to safer places. (With inputs from agencies)

Dust storm grips Delhi, 'intense rain ahead' predicts Skymet  

Delhiites woke up to a pleasant Saturday morning as overnight rain at some places in the city brought the temperature down.

Safdarjung observatory, the recording of which is considered official for the city, recorded a minimum temperature of 19.5 degrees Celsius, seven notches below the season's average.

Humidity was recorded at 77 per cent. The observatory received rainfall of 11.6mm. The maximum temperature is likely to settle around 37 degrees Celsius.

Palam observatory recorded a minimum temperature of 20.6 degrees Celsius, six notches below the season's average. It received a rainfall of 19.6 mm. Humidity was recorded at 75 per cent.

The weatherman has forecast cloudy skies for the day with the possibility of thunderstorm accompanied with very light rains and gusty winds.

On Friday, the minimum temperature was recorded at 24.6 degrees Celsius while the maximum was recorded at 37.4 degrees Celsius.

Delhiites woke up to a pleasant Saturday morning as overnight rain at some places in the city brought the temperature down. Safdarjung observatory, the recording of which is considered official for the city, recorded a minimum temperature of 19.

Delhiites woke up to a pleasant Saturday morning as overnight rain at some places in the city brought the temperature down. Safdarjung observatory, the recording of which is considered official for the city, recorded a minimum temperature of 19.5 degrees Celsius, seven notches below the season's average. Humidity was recorded at 77 per cent. The observatory received rainfall of 11.6mm. The maximum temperature is likely to settle around 37 degrees Celsius. Palam observatory recorded a minimum temperature of 20.6 degrees Celsius, six notches below the season's average. It received a rainfall of 19.6 mm. Humidity was recorded at 75 per cent. The weatherman has forecast cloudy skies for the day with the possibility of thunderstorm accompanied with very light rains and gusty winds. On Friday, the minimum temperature was recorded at 24.6 degrees Celsius while the maximum was recorded at 37.4 degrees Celsius.

Temperature in Delhi settles seven notches below season's average

Torrential rain hit Sri Lanka's capital on Tuesday as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-imd-issues-yellow-warning-in-odisha-predicting-heavy-rainfall-214909">cyclone Fani heads toward the coast of eastern India</a> and is expected to intensify into an "extremely severe" storm.

Fani is generating maximum sustained winds of 85 knots, or about 157 kph, according to a storm advisory from the US Navy's Joint Typhoon Warning Center.

The storm is currently in the Bay of Bengal about 690 kilometres east-southeast of Chennai and moved north-northwest at a speed of 16 km per hour over the past six hours, the India Meteorological Office said.

The office has forecast heavy rainfall in Odisha and in some parts of the state of Andhra Pradesh in the next few days with state government asking officials to be alert and evacuate people if the storm intensifies and makes landfall.

Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) &nbsp;issued a 'yellow warning' for Odisha coast predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places such as Boudh, Kalahandi, Sambalpur, Deogarh, and Sundargarh.

Torrential rain hit Sri Lanka's capital on Tuesday as cyclone Fani heads toward the coast of eastern India and is expected to intensify into an "extremely severe" storm.

Torrential rain hit Sri Lanka's capital on Tuesday as cyclone Fani heads toward the coast of eastern India and is expected to intensify into an "extremely severe" storm. Fani is generating maximum sustained winds of 85 knots, or about 157 kph, according to a storm advisory from the US Navy's Joint Typhoon Warning Center. The storm is currently in the Bay of Bengal about 690 kilometres east-southeast of Chennai and moved north-northwest at a speed of 16 km per hour over the past six hours, the India Meteorological Office said. The office has forecast heavy rainfall in Odisha and in some parts of the state of Andhra Pradesh in the next few days with state government asking officials to be alert and evacuate people if the storm intensifies and makes landfall. Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a 'yellow warning' for Odisha coast predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places such as Boudh, Kalahandi, Sambalpur, Deogarh, and Sundargarh.

Cyclone Fani hits Sri Lanka with heavy rainfall

Monsoon likely to be below normal this year: Skymet

More snowfall and rain is expected to lash Himachal Pradesh next week, the meteorological department said Sunday.

The weatherman has forecast snowfall and rain at some places in mid and high hills while thundershowers in low hills and plains from February 12 to 15.

Cloudy skies prevailed in most parts of the state Sunday, with tourist spots Manali and Kufri experiencing biting cold at minus two and minus 0.5 degrees Celsius respectively from 5.30 pm Saturday to 8.30 am Sunday, he added.

The tribal district Lahaul and Spiti's administrative centre Keylong continued to be the coldest place at minus 11.6 degrees Celsius, the Met office said, adding, the minimum temperature in tribal district Kinnaur's Kalpa was minus 4.6 degrees Celsius.

The minimum temperature in Shimla was 2.5 degrees Celsius followed by Solan (2.4), Chail (2.3) and Dalhousie (1.2).

More snowfall and rain is expected to lash Himachal Pradesh next week, the meteorological department said Sunday. The weatherman has forecast snowfall and rain at some places in mid and high hills while thundershowers in low hills and plains from February 12 to 15.

More snowfall and rain is expected to lash Himachal Pradesh next week, the meteorological department said Sunday. The weatherman has forecast snowfall and rain at some places in mid and high hills while thundershowers in low hills and plains from February 12 to 15. Cloudy skies prevailed in most parts of the state Sunday, with tourist spots Manali and Kufri experiencing biting cold at minus two and minus 0.5 degrees Celsius respectively from 5.30 pm Saturday to 8.30 am Sunday, he added. The tribal district Lahaul and Spiti's administrative centre Keylong continued to be the coldest place at minus 11.6 degrees Celsius, the Met office said, adding, the minimum temperature in tribal district Kinnaur's Kalpa was minus 4.6 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Shimla was 2.5 degrees Celsius followed by Solan (2.4), Chail (2.3) and Dalhousie (1.2).

Himachal Pradesh to receive more snowfall, rain next week

Weary residents in Australia's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/record-breaking-floods-hit-north-australia-193199">flood-hit </a>northeast returned home Wednesday to begin a massive clean-up after almost<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/part-of-eastern-australia-hit-by-once-in-a-century-floods-braces-for-more-rain-194561"> two weeks of heavy rain</a>, as the wild weather moved south to inundate more towns.

Communities remain cut off and thousands are still without power in the state of Queensland, but the weather bureau said the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/military-steps-in-as-australia-floods-bring-crocs-to-the-streets-194923">downpours</a> that have seen areas doused with more than 300 millimetres (11.8 inches) of rain daily were easing.

"It looks like the worst is probably over," Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Vinord Anand told AFP.

"We are still seeing rainfall rates that are meeting our severe weather warning criteria, but rainfall totals are not high as they have been in the last five to 10 days."

The daily rainfall totals were falling below 250 millimetres and would "ease slightly" on Thursday and Friday as the monsoonal trough slowly moves offshore, he added.

Australia's tropical north typically experiences heavy rains during the monsoon season, but the recent downpours have seen some areas get a year's worth of rainfall in just a week.

The rains turned roads into rivers and were so incessant authorities were forced to open floodgates of a major dam on Sunday.

With floodwaters receding in some areas of the hard-hit city of Townsville, residents headed home to help each other clean up their mud-caked properties.

"Just coming up the driveway, looking at all the mud, that's when it hit home," resident Clayton Linning told national broadcaster ABC Wednesday.

"There are a lot of neighbours we've never met before and now we have, which is really nice. It's an unfortunate way to have to build community but it does."

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Wednesday that officials were working to ensure affected locals would get access to recovery payments and support.

The Insurance Council of Australia added that claims were "rising by the hour", with losses of Aus$45 million (US$32 million) from 3,500 applications so far.

More than 100 extra police have been deployed to help with the disaster, while the army, which has a major base in Townsville, has also been active. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, police said they had launched an investigation into the deaths of two men aged 21 and 23 after their bodies were found in floodwaters, amid local media reports officers had been chasing them after an alleged liquor store break-in. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Weary residents in Australia's flood-hit northeast returned home Wednesday to begin a massive clean-up after almost two weeks of heavy rain, as the wild weather moved south to inundate more towns.

Weary residents in Australia's flood-hit northeast returned home Wednesday to begin a massive clean-up after almost two weeks of heavy rain, as the wild weather moved south to inundate more towns. Communities remain cut off and thousands are still without power in the state of Queensland, but the weather bureau said the downpours that have seen areas doused with more than 300 millimetres (11.8 inches) of rain daily were easing. "It looks like the worst is probably over," Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Vinord Anand told AFP. "We are still seeing rainfall rates that are meeting our severe weather warning criteria, but rainfall totals are not high as they have been in the last five to 10 days." The daily rainfall totals were falling below 250 millimetres and would "ease slightly" on Thursday and Friday as the monsoonal trough slowly moves offshore, he added. Australia's tropical north typically experiences heavy rains during the monsoon season, but the recent downpours have seen some areas get a year's worth of rainfall in just a week. The rains turned roads into rivers and were so incessant authorities were forced to open floodgates of a major dam on Sunday. With floodwaters receding in some areas of the hard-hit city of Townsville, residents headed home to help each other clean up their mud-caked properties. "Just coming up the driveway, looking at all the mud, that's when it hit home," resident Clayton Linning told national broadcaster ABC Wednesday. "There are a lot of neighbours we've never met before and now we have, which is really nice. It's an unfortunate way to have to build community but it does." Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Wednesday that officials were working to ensure affected locals would get access to recovery payments and support. The Insurance Council of Australia added that claims were "rising by the hour", with losses of Aus$45 million (US$32 million) from 3,500 applications so far. More than 100 extra police have been deployed to help with the disaster, while the army, which has a major base in Townsville, has also been active. Meanwhile, police said they had launched an investigation into the deaths of two men aged 21 and 23 after their bodies were found in floodwaters, amid local media reports officers had been chasing them after an alleged liquor store break-in.

Australia begins cleanup after two weeks of heavy rain

As the year draws toward an end, the country must prepare for a drought year, as both our monsoons — southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon — have played ‘truant’. In four days from now, the northeast monsoon period over peninsular India will come to an end. And there are strong indications that a deficient northeast monsoon may accentuate the prevailing drought conditions in the country. Yesterday, Skymet Weather, a private weather forecasting agency, issued an update informing that the northeast monsoon will end on a ‘deficit note’, which will impact rabi (winter) crops. News reports are already pointing out a decline in sowing of rabi crops, such as black gram, millets, groundnut, etc.

Unlike the southwest monsoon (June to September), which brings rainfall across the country, northeast monsoon (October to December) mainly covers five meteorological subdivisions of peninsular India — Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, Kerala, South Interior Karnataka, Rayalaseema, and Coastal Andhra Pradesh. And, a look at the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) post-monsoon season (October to December) rainfall data shows the rainfall gap in these regions.

Between October 1 and December 26 this year, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry have a rainfall deficit of minus 22 per cent. Rayalaseema is in ‘large deficient’ rainfall category with minus 62 per cent rainfall departure. South Interior Karnataka and Coastal Andhra Pradesh, too, have rainfall departure of minus 41 per cent and minus 54 per cent, respectively.

While the northeast monsoon is set to end on a ‘deficient’ note, the southwest monsoon, our main monsoon season, too, ended with a rainfall departure of minus 9 per cent (at all India level) making it a ‘below normal’ monsoon year. Since large parts of our country depend on rainfall for irrigation and agriculture, several states across the country have already declared drought. For instance, 22 out of 30 districts in Karnataka and 26 out of 36 districts in Maharashtra are facing crop failure and drought. Bihar government and Jharkhand government have declared 23 districts and 18 districts as drought-hit, respectively. Rayalaseema, which has minus 62 per cent rainfall departure in northeast monsoon period, had minus 37 per cent rainfall departure in southwest monsoon season, too. Early this month, 291 of the total 676 mandals in Andhra Pradesh were declared drought-affected and 88 per cent groundnut crop in the state is said to be under critical moisture stress.

The importance of northeast monsoon for south peninsula can be gauged from the fact that whereas the country receives about 11 per cent of its annual rainfall during this period, many districts over the south peninsula receive 30-60 per cent of their annual rainfall in the northeast monsoon period. For instance, Tamil Nadu receives 48 per cent of its annual rainfall during northeast monsoon season. And as per news reports, at present Chennai has a rainfall deficit of minus 55 per cent. Recent satellite images [Copernicus Sentinel Data] analysed by Raj B Palanichamy, earth observation and GIS expert, indicate dry tanks in northern Tamil Nadu and dry lakes around Chennai.

Unlike the southwest monsoon, predicting northeast monsoon rainfall is much more difficult because its variability is close to 25 per cent as against 10 per cent of the former, explains M Rajeevan, secretary, Union ministry of earth sciences. According to him, the IMD attempts to forecast seasonal rainfall of northeast monsoon using a statistical model, which needs to improve further and remains a “grey area”.

A 2012 research paper, co-authored by Rajeevan and published in Meteorological Applications notes that while different aspects of the southwest monsoon have been well investigated, the northeast monsoon has received less attention.

The large variability of northeast monsoon is reflected in rainfall data of 2015 and 2016 in Tamil Nadu. As per the ‘Report on the Northeast Monsoon 2017’, “whereas the NEM [northeast monsoon] 2015 was +52 per cent excess over the TN [Tamil Nadu] sub-division with some extremely heavy rainfall activity and unprecedented floods over the north coastal districts of Chennai, Kanchipuram and Thiruvallur, the NEM 2016 was largely deficient at -62 per cent and was the worst deficient scenario in the last 140 years.” The excess northeast monsoon 2015 occurred under strong El Niño and positive-normal Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions which are generally associated with good northeast monsoon performance.

Climate scientists are already warning against impacts of changing the climate on the northeast monsoon. A recent study by Chennai-based Anna University’s A Ramachandran and team has reported: “There are also indications of increasing heavy rainfall events during the northeast monsoon season and a slight decrease during the southwest monsoon season [in Tamil Nadu].” Clearly, there is a need to closely study our ‘fringe’ northeast monsoon. 
 
(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-there-is-a-need-to-closely-study-fringe-northeast-monsoon-2700778">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

As the year draws toward an end, the country must prepare for a drought year, as both our monsoons — southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon — have played ‘truant’.

As the year draws toward an end, the country must prepare for a drought year, as both our monsoons — southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon — have played ‘truant’. In four days from now, the northeast monsoon period over peninsular India will come to an end. And there are strong indications that a deficient northeast monsoon may accentuate the prevailing drought conditions in the country. Yesterday, Skymet Weather, a private weather forecasting agency, issued an update informing that the northeast monsoon will end on a ‘deficit note’, which will impact rabi (winter) crops. News reports are already pointing out a decline in sowing of rabi crops, such as black gram, millets, groundnut, etc. Unlike the southwest monsoon (June to September), which brings rainfall across the country, northeast monsoon (October to December) mainly covers five meteorological subdivisions of peninsular India — Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, Kerala, South Interior Karnataka, Rayalaseema, and Coastal Andhra Pradesh. And, a look at the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) post-monsoon season (October to December) rainfall data shows the rainfall gap in these regions. Between October 1 and December 26 this year, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry have a rainfall deficit of minus 22 per cent. Rayalaseema is in ‘large deficient’ rainfall category with minus 62 per cent rainfall departure. South Interior Karnataka and Coastal Andhra Pradesh, too, have rainfall departure of minus 41 per cent and minus 54 per cent, respectively. While the northeast monsoon is set to end on a ‘deficient’ note, the southwest monsoon, our main monsoon season, too, ended with a rainfall departure of minus 9 per cent (at all India level) making it a ‘below normal’ monsoon year. Since large parts of our country depend on rainfall for irrigation and agriculture, several states across the country have already declared drought. For instance, 22 out of 30 districts in Karnataka and 26 out of 36 districts in Maharashtra are facing crop failure and drought. Bihar government and Jharkhand government have declared 23 districts and 18 districts as drought-hit, respectively. Rayalaseema, which has minus 62 per cent rainfall departure in northeast monsoon period, had minus 37 per cent rainfall departure in southwest monsoon season, too. Early this month, 291 of the total 676 mandals in Andhra Pradesh were declared drought-affected and 88 per cent groundnut crop in the state is said to be under critical moisture stress. The importance of northeast monsoon for south peninsula can be gauged from the fact that whereas the country receives about 11 per cent of its annual rainfall during this period, many districts over the south peninsula receive 30-60 per cent of their annual rainfall in the northeast monsoon period. For instance, Tamil Nadu receives 48 per cent of its annual rainfall during northeast monsoon season. And as per news reports, at present Chennai has a rainfall deficit of minus 55 per cent. Recent satellite images [Copernicus Sentinel Data] analysed by Raj B Palanichamy, earth observation and GIS expert, indicate dry tanks in northern Tamil Nadu and dry lakes around Chennai. Unlike the southwest monsoon, predicting northeast monsoon rainfall is much more difficult because its variability is close to 25 per cent as against 10 per cent of the former, explains M Rajeevan, secretary, Union ministry of earth sciences. According to him, the IMD attempts to forecast seasonal rainfall of northeast monsoon using a statistical model, which needs to improve further and remains a “grey area”. A 2012 research paper, co-authored by Rajeevan and published in Meteorological Applications notes that while different aspects of the southwest monsoon have been well investigated, the northeast monsoon has received less attention. The large variability of northeast monsoon is reflected in rainfall data of 2015 and 2016 in Tamil Nadu. As per the ‘Report on the Northeast Monsoon 2017’, “whereas the NEM [northeast monsoon] 2015 was +52 per cent excess over the TN [Tamil Nadu] sub-division with some extremely heavy rainfall activity and unprecedented floods over the north coastal districts of Chennai, Kanchipuram and Thiruvallur, the NEM 2016 was largely deficient at -62 per cent and was the worst deficient scenario in the last 140 years.” The excess northeast monsoon 2015 occurred under strong El Niño and positive-normal Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions which are generally associated with good northeast monsoon performance. Climate scientists are already warning against impacts of changing the climate on the northeast monsoon. A recent study by Chennai-based Anna University’s A Ramachandran and team has reported: “There are also indications of increasing heavy rainfall events during the northeast monsoon season and a slight decrease during the southwest monsoon season [in Tamil Nadu].” Clearly, there is a need to closely study our ‘fringe’ northeast monsoon. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The country must prepare for a drought year

The coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu will experience heavy rainfall for the next two days as a deep depression is set to intensify into Cyclone 'Phethai'.

"The deep depression in the south-eastern area of the Bay of Bengal has moved to the northern side with a speed of 17 Kilometres an hour and has now intensified and developed into a cyclonic storm named 'Phethai'. It is very likely to move to the northeastern side and cross Andhra Pradesh coast between Ongole and Kakinada during December 17, "the statement from the meteorological department read.

The department also predicted light to moderate rain and thunderstorm in parts of Odisha on Sunday. It also predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in various districts of the state.

The statement also said, "Light to moderate rain/thundershower likely to occur at many places over districts of south Odisha and a few places over districts of north Odisha on December 16, at many places over districts of Odisha on 17. and at a few places over districts of Odisha on December 18."

The Department informed that Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada and Kalahandi district would experience heavy rainfall on Sunday.&nbsp;

While on Monday, heavy rainfall is expected in various districts including Kalahandi, Malkangiri. Koraput, Rayagada, Nawarangpur.

(With inputs from ANI)

The coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu will experience heavy rainfall for the next two days as a deep depression is set to intensify into Cyclone 'Phethai'.

The coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu will experience heavy rainfall for the next two days as a deep depression is set to intensify into Cyclone 'Phethai'. "The deep depression in the south-eastern area of the Bay of Bengal has moved to the northern side with a speed of 17 Kilometres an hour and has now intensified and developed into a cyclonic storm named 'Phethai'. It is very likely to move to the northeastern side and cross Andhra Pradesh coast between Ongole and Kakinada during December 17, "the statement from the meteorological department read. The department also predicted light to moderate rain and thunderstorm in parts of Odisha on Sunday. It also predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in various districts of the state. The statement also said, "Light to moderate rain/thundershower likely to occur at many places over districts of south Odisha and a few places over districts of north Odisha on December 16, at many places over districts of Odisha on 17. and at a few places over districts of Odisha on December 18." The Department informed that Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada and Kalahandi district would experience heavy rainfall on Sunday. While on Monday, heavy rainfall is expected in various districts including Kalahandi, Malkangiri. Koraput, Rayagada, Nawarangpur. (With inputs from ANI)

Cyclone Phethai to make landfall in Andhra Pradesh on Monday, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry to receive heavy rainfall

The India Meteorological Department on Wednesday issued warnings for the coastal districts of north Andhra and south Odisha stating that severe cyclonic storm 'Titli' is in the formation over west-central Bay of Bengal.

A red message has been issued over the formation of a very severe cyclonic storm, ‘LUBAN’, over west-central Arabian Sea. The MeT department, Bhubaneswar has issued heavy rainfall warning for the next three days in the state of Odisha in the light of cyclonic storm Titli.

Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said that a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm 'Titli' and is likely to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-titli-to-move-towards-odisha-andhra-on-thursday-imd-170547">move towards Odisha and Andhra Pradesh</a> coasts on October 11.

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Severe Cyclonic Storm <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Titli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Titli</a> over westcentral Bay of Bengal: Cyclone Warning for districts of north Andhra Pradesh &amp; south Odisha coasts: Red Message. Very Severe Cyclonic Storm, ‘LUBAN’ over westcentral Arabian Sea - India Meteorological Department
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049885384849674243?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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'Titli' is very likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during next 24 hours, the IMD added.

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Odisha: Meteorological Center Bhubaneswar issues heavy rainfall warning for next three days in the state of Odisha in the light of cyclonic storm <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Titli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Titli</a>. <a href="https://t.co/H9n3c3vMBf">pic.twitter.com/H9n3c3vMBf</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049888672412291072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"A deep depression over west central Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm 'Titli' at 11:30 hours on Tuesday about 530 km southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha and 480 km east-southeast of Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh," IMD stated.

"It is likely to move northwestwards and cross Odisha and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh coasts between Gopalpur and Kalingapatnam around the morning of 11 October," it added.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The India Meteorological Department on Wednesday issued warnings for the coastal districts of north Andhra and south Odisha stating that severe cyclonic storm 'Titli' is in the formation over west-central Bay of Bengal.

The India Meteorological Department on Wednesday issued warnings for the coastal districts of north Andhra and south Odisha stating that severe cyclonic storm 'Titli' is in the formation over west-central Bay of Bengal. A red message has been issued over the formation of a very severe cyclonic storm, ‘LUBAN’, over west-central Arabian Sea. The MeT department, Bhubaneswar has issued heavy rainfall warning for the next three days in the state of Odisha in the light of cyclonic storm Titli. Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said that a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm 'Titli' and is likely to move towards Odisha and Andhra Pradesh coasts on October 11. Severe Cyclonic Storm #Titli over westcentral Bay of Bengal: Cyclone Warning for districts of north Andhra Pradesh & south Odisha coasts: Red Message. Very Severe Cyclonic Storm, ‘LUBAN’ over westcentral Arabian Sea - India Meteorological Department — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2018 × 'Titli' is very likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during next 24 hours, the IMD added. Odisha: Meteorological Center Bhubaneswar issues heavy rainfall warning for next three days in the state of Odisha in the light of cyclonic storm #Titli. pic.twitter.com/H9n3c3vMBf — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2018 × "A deep depression over west central Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm 'Titli' at 11:30 hours on Tuesday about 530 km southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha and 480 km east-southeast of Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh," IMD stated. "It is likely to move northwestwards and cross Odisha and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh coasts between Gopalpur and Kalingapatnam around the morning of 11 October," it added. (With inputs from ANI)

Cyclone Titli intensifies into severe cyclonic storm, Odisha to get heavy rainfall next three days: IMD 

The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a warning for "Menuku" cyclone in the&nbspcoastal regions of Maharashtra and&nbspGoa.

The IMD has stated that Menuku is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm in the next 24 hours and into a severe cyclonic storm in the subsequent 24 hours.

The department had also warned the fishermen to not to not to venture in the sea.&nbsp

Earlier, the scientists had issued warnings of a thundershower and moderate rain in the coastal region of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

An IMD scientist had said, "South-west monsoon has advanced to some parts of south Andaman sea, Nicobar Islands and South-east Bay of Bengal. Due to trough upper cyclonic circulations, light to moderate rain/thundershower likely to occur over Rayalaseema, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over the next 3-4 days".

Also, warnings have been issued in various parts of Kerala for&nbspheavy, very heavy and extremely heavy rainfall from May 27 to May 29.&nbsp

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Heavy to very heavy rainfall most likely to occur one or two places in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> on 27 May - 29th May & extremely heavy rainfall at one or two places on May 28th.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1000028358816624640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

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The weather around 1000 kms of Cyclone <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mekunu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mekunu</a> is rough and wind is very strong, we had issued an advisory to fishermen to not venture in the sea. Some parts of Konkan Goa & southern Maharashtra may get rain and wind, other parts will not be affected: Scientist, IMD Pune <a href="https://t.co/p62cfcgCfS">pic.twitter.com/p62cfcgCfS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1000014399485169664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The IMD has stated that Menuku is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm in the next 24 hours and into a severe cyclonic storm in the subsequent 24 hours

The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a warning for "Menuku" cyclone in the&nbspcoastal regions of Maharashtra and&nbspGoa. The IMD has stated that Menuku is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm in the next 24 hours and into a severe cyclonic storm in the subsequent 24 hours. The department had also warned the fishermen to not to not to venture in the sea. Earlier, the scientists had issued warnings of a thundershower and moderate rain in the coastal region of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. An IMD scientist had said, "South-west monsoon has advanced to some parts of south Andaman sea, Nicobar Islands and South-east Bay of Bengal. Due to trough upper cyclonic circulations, light to moderate rain/thundershower likely to occur over Rayalaseema, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over the next 3-4 days". Also, warnings have been issued in various parts of Kerala for&nbspheavy, very heavy and extremely heavy rainfall from May 27 to May 29. Heavy to very heavy rainfall most likely to occur one or two places in #Kerala on 27 May - 29th May & extremely heavy rainfall at one or two places on May 28th. — ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2018 × The weather around 1000 kms of Cyclone #Mekunu is rough and wind is very strong, we had issued an advisory to fishermen to not venture in the sea. Some parts of Konkan Goa & southern Maharashtra may get rain and wind, other parts will not be affected: Scientist, IMD Pune pic.twitter.com/p62cfcgCfS — ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2018 ×

IMD issues warning for 'Menuku' cyclone in Maharashtra and Goa

An approaching western disturbance is expected to bring rainfall to northern Indian states such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, with thunderstorms likely in some isolated areas over the next two days, the Met department said today.

"The maximum temperatures are very likely to be near/below normal over most parts of the country except parts of east India. Hence, no major heat wave spell is expected over any part of country during the next one week," the Indian Meteorological Department said.

"Under the influence of an approaching western disturbance, fairly widespread to widespread precipitation with isolated thunder squalls and hailstorms are very likely over the Western Himalayan region (Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand) during next two days," it said.

Isolated thunderstorms accompanied with squalls and gusty winds are also likely in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, north Rajasthan and northwest Uttar Pradesh during the next two days, the IMD said.

Western disturbance is a low pressure area or a trough over surface or the upper-air in the westerly winds regime and it is accompanied by clouds, with or without precipitation.

It originates in the Caspian Sea or the Mediterranean Sea as extra-tropical cyclones. They gradually travel across the Middle East and then from Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, enter the Indian sub-continent.

After this phenomena, weather would be dry thereafter over most parts of the northwest, the Met department said.

Under the influence of the western disturbance, relative humidity would rise over most parts of northwest and central India.&nbsp;

Isolated thunderstorms accompanied with squalls and gusty winds are also likely in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, north Rajasthan and northwest Uttar Pradesh during the next two days, the IMD said.

An approaching western disturbance is expected to bring rainfall to northern Indian states such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, with thunderstorms likely in some isolated areas over the next two days, the Met department said today. "The maximum temperatures are very likely to be near/below normal over most parts of the country except parts of east India. Hence, no major heat wave spell is expected over any part of country during the next one week," the Indian Meteorological Department said. "Under the influence of an approaching western disturbance, fairly widespread to widespread precipitation with isolated thunder squalls and hailstorms are very likely over the Western Himalayan region (Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand) during next two days," it said. Isolated thunderstorms accompanied with squalls and gusty winds are also likely in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, north Rajasthan and northwest Uttar Pradesh during the next two days, the IMD said. Western disturbance is a low pressure area or a trough over surface or the upper-air in the westerly winds regime and it is accompanied by clouds, with or without precipitation. It originates in the Caspian Sea or the Mediterranean Sea as extra-tropical cyclones. They gradually travel across the Middle East and then from Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, enter the Indian sub-continent. After this phenomena, weather would be dry thereafter over most parts of the northwest, the Met department said. Under the influence of the western disturbance, relative humidity would rise over most parts of northwest and central India.

North India likely to experience rains due to western disturbance: IMD

A severe damage has been caused to seasonal Rabi crops as unexpected rainfall and hailstorms in parts of North India continues to lash out.

80% of the crop has been destroyed, Mathura farmers said as they hoped a help from the government.

The news agency ANI reported a&nbspMathura farmer saying, 'there is nothing left now, more than 80% of the crop has been destroyed. We hope government helps us.'

However, so far the damage is limited to some parts of Uttar Pradesh area but according to forecast by Meteorological Department of India, the damage may increase due to widespread rainfall predictions.

Rain affected&nbspareas include Shamli, Meerut, Saharanpur and some places of Western UP.&nbspAffected crops are of mustard, wheat and mangoes.

Rains also affect the quality of the grain however, it will take 10 to 15 days to know the actual reports of the damage.

According to reports thundershowers and more rains with gusty winds are expected in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh for another three days.

District agricultural officers are also asked to give an initial estimate of damage report to state agricultural department minister Prem Kumar.

According to the central and state norms of compensation, the farmers can only claim compensation for damaged crops if the damge is more than 33% and is caused by hailstorms.

80% of the crop has been destroyed, Mathura farmers said as they hoped a help from the government

A severe damage has been caused to seasonal Rabi crops as unexpected rainfall and hailstorms in parts of North India continues to lash out. 80% of the crop has been destroyed, Mathura farmers said as they hoped a help from the government. The news agency ANI reported a&nbspMathura farmer saying, 'there is nothing left now, more than 80% of the crop has been destroyed. We hope government helps us.' However, so far the damage is limited to some parts of Uttar Pradesh area but according to forecast by Meteorological Department of India, the damage may increase due to widespread rainfall predictions. Rain affected&nbspareas include Shamli, Meerut, Saharanpur and some places of Western UP.&nbspAffected crops are of mustard, wheat and mangoes. Rains also affect the quality of the grain however, it will take 10 to 15 days to know the actual reports of the damage. According to reports thundershowers and more rains with gusty winds are expected in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh for another three days. District agricultural officers are also asked to give an initial estimate of damage report to state agricultural department minister Prem Kumar. According to the central and state norms of compensation, the farmers can only claim compensation for damaged crops if the damge is more than 33% and is caused by hailstorms.

Heavy rainfall causes severe damage to crops

Gujarat is staring at an acute water crisis this summer allegedly due to its over dependence on the Narmada Dam to meet all its requirements.&nbsp; 
 
Gujarat chief secretary JN Singh recently announced that due to less water available in the Narmada, they will not be able to provide water to industries, and have asked local bodies to look for alternate sources this summer.&nbsp; 
 
The Narmada River catchment areas, mainly in Madhya Pradesh, received less rainfall last monsoon with the Sardar Sarovar Dam receiving only 45 per cent of what it gets normally during monsoon.&nbsp; 
 
The state government recently asked farmers to skip sowing summer crops as it would not be able to provide irrigation water. It also plans to cut supply to industries and has asked the administration of cities and villages, dependent on the Narmada for drinking purpose, to explore local sources.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Yes, we need to change the perception that we are totally dependent on the Sardar Sarovar project on Narmada. The Naramda water should be seen as an add-on to local sources of water and not as the main source,&quot; Gujarat chief minister&#39;s adviser on water management, BN Navalawala, told news agency PTI.&nbsp; 
 
The Sardar Sarovar Dam on Narmada has been described as &#39;Gujarat&#39;s lifeline&#39; by BJP leaders as it aims to provide drinking water to 131 urban centres and 9,633 villages (53 per cent of state&#39;s villages).&nbsp; 
 
The dam is also expected to facilitate irrigation of 18.54 hectares of land covering 3,112 villages of 73 talukas in 15 districts of Gujarat.&nbsp; 
 
Apart from providing water to so many towns and villages, the state government has embarked on an ambitious Saurashtra-Narmada Avataran Irrigation Yojna (Sauni Scheme) under which it plans to fill up 115 reservoirs of Saurashtra with Narmada water.&nbsp; 
 
The Sardar Sarovar Dam&#39;s foundation stone was laid on April 5, 1961 by the country&#39;s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru. However, it took 56 years to complete its construction due to court cases and protests by the affected villagers.&nbsp; 
 
The dam was inaugurated on September 17 last year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp; 
 
After over 15 years, when the state administration gradually learnt to depend on the Narmada for the water requirements, this year seems to be a wake up call.&nbsp; 
<iframe frameborder="0" height="1" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" width="1"></iframe> 
Due to weak monsoon in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat would only get 4.71 million acre feet (MAF) water, which is just 45 per cent of the sanctioned supply of 9 MAF awarded by the Narmada Tribunal to the state, as per an official release.&nbsp; 
 
A municipal official said it seems the state has ignored local sources, the ambitious Kalpsar project which aims to harness water of seven rivers by building a reservoir in the Gulf of Khambhat, and desalination plants.&nbsp; 
 
The government may have thought that the Narmada river can provide water that is needed for the state, he said. However, Mr Navlawala, who is also heading the central task force for interlinking of rivers, said the state has been time and again exploring all options.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;There is a perception that Gujarat is totally dependent on Narmada, but we are working in all directions to mitigate the crisis that has come our way. All cities and towns which are now provided water from Narmada, earlier used to have their local source of water. We have asked administrators of cities to revive the local sources of water,&quot; he said.&nbsp; 
 
Regarding the Kalpsar project, Mr Navalawala said, &quot;As it is a one-of-its-kind project, we have to carry out many surveys which we expect to complete by the end of this year. We will then be able to prepare a detailed project report.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
On the desalination plants, he said the cost of water from it is very high and that water supply can be provided only in a limited sphere. &quot;But the state government has taken up the work of a plant for desalination of 105 million litres per day and tenders for it will soon be out,&quot; he said.&nbsp; 
 
However, Mr Navalawala said due to climate change, the water scarcity in future cannot be ruled out, and states needs a paradigm shift in approach towards water management.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&quot;We should move from demand driven supply to demand management. Recently, in one of the cities of South Africa which is facing drought, we were surprised by news that our cricketers were asked to take a shower for just two minutes. But it could be the order of the day in future in India too due to water scarcity,&quot; he said.&nbsp; 
 
Mr Navlawala also stressed on water auditing and putting water meters in every house. &quot;Water auditing or water meters are inescapable. If you are not going to do it today, you will be compelled to do it tomorrow,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

The Narmada River catchment areas, mainly in Madhya Pradesh, received less rainfall last monsoon with the Sardar Sarovar Dam receiving only 45 per cent of what it gets normally during monsoon

Gujarat is staring at an acute water crisis this summer allegedly due to its over dependence on the Narmada Dam to meet all its requirements. Gujarat chief secretary JN Singh recently announced that due to less water available in the Narmada, they will not be able to provide water to industries, and have asked local bodies to look for alternate sources this summer. The Narmada River catchment areas, mainly in Madhya Pradesh, received less rainfall last monsoon with the Sardar Sarovar Dam receiving only 45 per cent of what it gets normally during monsoon. The state government recently asked farmers to skip sowing summer crops as it would not be able to provide irrigation water. It also plans to cut supply to industries and has asked the administration of cities and villages, dependent on the Narmada for drinking purpose, to explore local sources. "Yes, we need to change the perception that we are totally dependent on the Sardar Sarovar project on Narmada. The Naramda water should be seen as an add-on to local sources of water and not as the main source," Gujarat chief minister's adviser on water management, BN Navalawala, told news agency PTI. The Sardar Sarovar Dam on Narmada has been described as 'Gujarat's lifeline' by BJP leaders as it aims to provide drinking water to 131 urban centres and 9,633 villages (53 per cent of state's villages). The dam is also expected to facilitate irrigation of 18.54 hectares of land covering 3,112 villages of 73 talukas in 15 districts of Gujarat. Apart from providing water to so many towns and villages, the state government has embarked on an ambitious Saurashtra-Narmada Avataran Irrigation Yojna (Sauni Scheme) under which it plans to fill up 115 reservoirs of Saurashtra with Narmada water. The Sardar Sarovar Dam's foundation stone was laid on April 5, 1961 by the country's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru. However, it took 56 years to complete its construction due to court cases and protests by the affected villagers. The dam was inaugurated on September 17 last year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After over 15 years, when the state administration gradually learnt to depend on the Narmada for the water requirements, this year seems to be a wake up call. Due to weak monsoon in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat would only get 4.71 million acre feet (MAF) water, which is just 45 per cent of the sanctioned supply of 9 MAF awarded by the Narmada Tribunal to the state, as per an official release. A municipal official said it seems the state has ignored local sources, the ambitious Kalpsar project which aims to harness water of seven rivers by building a reservoir in the Gulf of Khambhat, and desalination plants. The government may have thought that the Narmada river can provide water that is needed for the state, he said. However, Mr Navlawala, who is also heading the central task force for interlinking of rivers, said the state has been time and again exploring all options. "There is a perception that Gujarat is totally dependent on Narmada, but we are working in all directions to mitigate the crisis that has come our way. All cities and towns which are now provided water from Narmada, earlier used to have their local source of water. We have asked administrators of cities to revive the local sources of water," he said. Regarding the Kalpsar project, Mr Navalawala said, "As it is a one-of-its-kind project, we have to carry out many surveys which we expect to complete by the end of this year. We will then be able to prepare a detailed project report." On the desalination plants, he said the cost of water from it is very high and that water supply can be provided only in a limited sphere. "But the state government has taken up the work of a plant for desalination of 105 million litres per day and tenders for it will soon be out," he said. However, Mr Navalawala said due to climate change, the water scarcity in future cannot be ruled out, and states needs a paradigm shift in approach towards water management. "We should move from demand driven supply to demand management. Recently, in one of the cities of South Africa which is facing drought, we were surprised by news that our cricketers were asked to take a shower for just two minutes. But it could be the order of the day in future in India too due to water scarcity," he said. Mr Navlawala also stressed on water auditing and putting water meters in every house. "Water auditing or water meters are inescapable. If you are not going to do it today, you will be compelled to do it tomorrow," he added.

Gujarat staring at acute water crisis warns top official

The day three play between India and South Africa was called off on Sunday after heavy rainfall continued to lash Cape Town.

After morning session was washed out, it was assumed that the teams could resume before the scheduled tea interval, as the rain stopped. But it was for less than half an hour.&nbsp;

On day 2, South Africa was able to build a sizeable second-innings lead after reaching 65 for the loss of two at stumps.&nbsp;

Hashim Amla and night-watchman Kagiso Rabada will seek tomorrow to extend the host&#39;s advantage of 142 runs with remaining eight wickets.

The South African seamers had bowled India out for 209 on a lively wicket offering plenty of assistance for the bowlers.

For India, Hardik Pandya played a blistering knock of 93 runs to save its drowning team which at one point were 92/7 after lunch. &nbsp;

The all-rounder proved his mettle by helping his team inch closer to South Africa&#39;s total of 286.&nbsp;

In the second innings, Hardik contributed with the ball as well by dismissing the Proteas openers at an early stage.&nbsp;

South Africa host India in three tests this month with the next two to be played in Pretoria and Johannesburg

The rain stopped in the day for less than half an hour

The day three play between India and South Africa was called off on Sunday after heavy rainfall continued to lash Cape Town. After morning session was washed out, it was assumed that the teams could resume before the scheduled tea interval, as the rain stopped. But it was for less than half an hour. On day 2, South Africa was able to build a sizeable second-innings lead after reaching 65 for the loss of two at stumps. Hashim Amla and night-watchman Kagiso Rabada will seek tomorrow to extend the host's advantage of 142 runs with remaining eight wickets. The South African seamers had bowled India out for 209 on a lively wicket offering plenty of assistance for the bowlers. For India, Hardik Pandya played a blistering knock of 93 runs to save its drowning team which at one point were 92/7 after lunch. The all-rounder proved his mettle by helping his team inch closer to South Africa's total of 286. In the second innings, Hardik contributed with the ball as well by dismissing the Proteas openers at an early stage. South Africa host India in three tests this month with the next two to be played in Pretoria and Johannesburg

India vs South Africa: Day 3 play called off due to rain

People in Victoria have been given warning of floods and thunderstorm by Australia&#39;s Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) after heavy rainfall hit the Australian state on Friday.&nbsp;

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A Flood Watch for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Victoria?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Victoria</a> has been updated. Check here for latest warnings and watches: <a href="https://t.co/HLs2UYFQyQ">https://t.co/HLs2UYFQyQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/EUIeLjNrJI">pic.twitter.com/EUIeLjNrJI</a>
&mdash; Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) <a href="https://twitter.com/BOM_Vic/status/936399428247805952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Massive rainfall in Southern part of Australia has left roads blocked and flooded residential areas on Saturday.&nbsp;

According to reports, almost 300 mm of rain and large hailstorms are predicted in the next three days.&nbsp;

Several flights have also been diverted to Sydney and major events have been cancelled in the state, media reports said.

Floodwater started to run quickly downstairs and alleys in Melbourne&#39;s suburb of Ringwood after five minutes of the downpour on Friday afternoon, according to a local resident David Cabler.

The Hume Highway, an inter-city national highway connecting Melbourne to Sydney, was seen submerged in flood waters in a video shared by a Wangaratta florist.

Parts of the Hume Highway have been closed due to the flooding, according to local media. 
&nbsp;

Flash floodwater inundates roads in the Australia's state of Victoria as the rainfalls in part of the state break more than a century old record

People in Victoria have been given warning of floods and thunderstorm by Australia's Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) after heavy rainfall hit the Australian state on Friday. A Flood Watch for #Victoria has been updated. Check here for latest warnings and watches: https://t.co/HLs2UYFQyQ pic.twitter.com/EUIeLjNrJI — Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) December 1, 2017 × Massive rainfall in Southern part of Australia has left roads blocked and flooded residential areas on Saturday. According to reports, almost 300 mm of rain and large hailstorms are predicted in the next three days. Several flights have also been diverted to Sydney and major events have been cancelled in the state, media reports said. Floodwater started to run quickly downstairs and alleys in Melbourne's suburb of Ringwood after five minutes of the downpour on Friday afternoon, according to a local resident David Cabler. The Hume Highway, an inter-city national highway connecting Melbourne to Sydney, was seen submerged in flood waters in a video shared by a Wangaratta florist. Parts of the Hume Highway have been closed due to the flooding, according to local media.

Record-breaking rainfall triggers flash floods in Australia

India&#39;s monsoon has delivered&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indias-monsoon-rains-seen-at-average-levels-in-2017-14643">1 per cent more rain than normal, according to Indian Metrological Department</a>(IMD), but erratic rainfall may affect&nbsp;India&#39;s booming economy in the long term, experts have told Reuters.

In April, India&#39;s Metrological department(IMD) had forecast above average rainfall. The IMD had said India would receive monsoon rains at 96 per cent of the long-term average or normal, however erratic rainfall over the country with droughts in some areas and floods in other parts especially in Assam, Orissa, parts of Maharashtra and even parts of western Rajasthan has Indian officials worried.&nbsp;

The western part of Rajasthan has received 126 per cent more rain than normal, leading to floods which has&nbsp;killed more than 300 people and displaced millions.

On the other hand, Marathwada region in central India has received 21 per cent lower rainfall than normal this monsoon - which started on June 1 - while some regions in southern India recorded as much as a 34 per cent shortfall, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Although the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/monsoon-rains-arrive-in-kerala-coast-north-east-16224">monsoon arrived on time on May 30 in southern India</a>, it has scattered across the country&nbsp;leading to fears among Indian agricultural experts that it could lead to price rise of some food products and even lead to lower food grain production in the long run.

Prices of some vegetables have gone up sharply. Onion prices have doubled and tomato prices have quadrupled in a month. The floods in Gujarat and large-scale procurement by the Madhya Pradesh government have already pushed onions prices.

This year, 58 per cent of the country received normal rainfall, and the remainder got excess or deficient rains, according to IMD. Rainfall is unlikely to revive in southern and central India this week, Reuters quoted an IMD meteorologist who declined to be named.

Southern states Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have received less rainfall than in the drought-hit 2016 season, creating a scarcity of drinking water.

The scarcity of food grains and skewed rainfall could also hit inflation which currently stands at 1.54 in June.

The scarcity of food grains and skewed rainfall could also hit inflation which currently stood at 1.54 in June.?

India's monsoon has delivered 1 per cent more rain than normal, according to Indian Metrological Department(IMD), but erratic rainfall may affect India's booming economy in the long term, experts have told Reuters. In April, India's Metrological department(IMD) had forecast above average rainfall. The IMD had said India would receive monsoon rains at 96 per cent of the long-term average or normal, however erratic rainfall over the country with droughts in some areas and floods in other parts especially in Assam, Orissa, parts of Maharashtra and even parts of western Rajasthan has Indian officials worried. The western part of Rajasthan has received 126 per cent more rain than normal, leading to floods which has killed more than 300 people and displaced millions. On the other hand, Marathwada region in central India has received 21 per cent lower rainfall than normal this monsoon - which started on June 1 - while some regions in southern India recorded as much as a 34 per cent shortfall, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD). Although the monsoon arrived on time on May 30 in southern India, it has scattered across the country leading to fears among Indian agricultural experts that it could lead to price rise of some food products and even lead to lower food grain production in the long run. Prices of some vegetables have gone up sharply. Onion prices have doubled and tomato prices have quadrupled in a month. The floods in Gujarat and large-scale procurement by the Madhya Pradesh government have already pushed onions prices. This year, 58 per cent of the country received normal rainfall, and the remainder got excess or deficient rains, according to IMD. Rainfall is unlikely to revive in southern and central India this week, Reuters quoted an IMD meteorologist who declined to be named. Southern states Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have received less rainfall than in the drought-hit 2016 season, creating a scarcity of drinking water. The scarcity of food grains and skewed rainfall could also hit inflation which currently stands at 1.54 in June.

Uneven monsoon could lead to lower food grain production in India: Experts

Indian shares hit a record high on Wednesday as shares of consumer goods and agriculture-dependent companies rallied after the country&#39;s weather office forecast a higher monsoon rainfall than previously expected.

The benchmark BSE Sensex gained as much as 0.91 per cent to 30,207.13, its highest ever.

The chief of the country&#39;s state-run <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-likely-to-receive-higher-rainfall-than-previously-forecast-meteorological-department-15429">India Meteorological Department on Tuesday said India looks likely to receive higher monsoon rainfall </a>than previously forecast as concern over the El Nino weather condition had eased.

The broader NSE Nifty rose as much as 0.81 per cent to a record high of 9,392.50, surpassing its previous milestone recorded on May 05.

The Nifty breached the 9,400 level for the first time as consumer stocks rallied, heavyweight Bharti Airtel surged after reporting strong subscriber growth.&nbsp;

The markets have been responding to positive sentiment in the last few days, the International Monetary Fund on Monday had said India&rsquo;s growth is expected to rebound to 7.2% in the 2017-18 fiscal and 7.7% in 2018-19 after disruptions caused by demonetisation.

The temporary disruptions (primarily to private consumption) caused by cash shortages accompanying the currency exchange initiative are expected to gradually dissipate in 2017 as cash shortages ease, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in its regional economic outlook.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-likely-to-receive-higher-rainfall-than-previously-forecast-meteorological-department-15429">Also Read:&nbsp;India likely to receive higher rainfall than previously forecast: Meteorological Department</a>

(Wion with Reuters input)

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The broader NSE Nifty rose as much as 0.81 per cent to a record high of 9,392.50, surpassing its previous milestone recorded on May 05

Indian shares hit a record high on Wednesday as shares of consumer goods and agriculture-dependent companies rallied after the country's weather office forecast a higher monsoon rainfall than previously expected. The benchmark BSE Sensex gained as much as 0.91 per cent to 30,207.13, its highest ever. The chief of the country's state-run India Meteorological Department on Tuesday said India looks likely to receive higher monsoon rainfall than previously forecast as concern over the El Nino weather condition had eased. The broader NSE Nifty rose as much as 0.81 per cent to a record high of 9,392.50, surpassing its previous milestone recorded on May 05. The Nifty breached the 9,400 level for the first time as consumer stocks rallied, heavyweight Bharti Airtel surged after reporting strong subscriber growth. The markets have been responding to positive sentiment in the last few days, the International Monetary Fund on Monday had said India’s growth is expected to rebound to 7.2% in the 2017-18 fiscal and 7.7% in 2018-19 after disruptions caused by demonetisation. The temporary disruptions (primarily to private consumption) caused by cash shortages accompanying the currency exchange initiative are expected to gradually dissipate in 2017 as cash shortages ease, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in its regional economic outlook. Also Read: India likely to receive higher rainfall than previously forecast: Meteorological Department (Wion with Reuters input) Catch the latest from the world of business with Sumit Chaturvedi only on WION Wallet (WION) ×

Bull run: Sensex, Nifty at new peak

India looks likely to receive higher monsoon rainfall than previously forecast as concern over the El Nino weather condition has eased, the chief of the weather office said on Tuesday, raising prospects of higher farm and economic growth.

The state-run India Meteorological Department on April 18 forecast this year&#39;s monsoon rains at 96 per cent of the 50-year average of 89 cm.

&quot;Things have changed for the good since then,&quot; K.J. Ramesh, director general of the state-run India Meteorological Department, told Reuters in an interview.

The monsoon delivers about 70 per cent of India&#39;s annual rainfall, critical for crops such as rice, cane, corn, cotton and soybeans because nearly half of the country&#39;s farmland lacks irrigation.

&quot;We assessed 96 per cent based on the climatological conditions up to March. Now, conditions are becoming favourable for an improvement over our April 18 estimate,&quot; Ramesh said.

Australia&#39;s Bureau of Meteorology recently said there were signs of concerns easing over El Nino.

El Nino, a warming of ocean surface temperatures in the eastern and central Pacific that typically occurs every few years and was linked to crop damage, fires and flash floods, faded in 2016.

The establishment phase of the monsoon north of the equator has already started, and the Indian Ocean Dipole phenomenon - which counters the impact of an El Nino - will have an incremental positive effect on the Indian monsoon, Ramesh said.

Pre-monsoon showers have already hit certain dry areas in the southern part of the country, he said, bringing much-needed relief to farmers ahead of the start of the four-month monsoon season beginning June.

India defines average, or normal, rainfall as between 96 per cent and 104 per cent of the 50-year average.

Jettisoning a statistical method introduced under British colonial rule in the 1920s, the India Meteorology Department has for the first time relied on the so-called dynamic model to improve the accuracy of one of the world&#39;s most vital weather forecasts.

The new system, based on US model tweaked for India, requires large computing power to generate three-dimensional models to help predict how the monsoon is likely to develop.

Experts say better forecasting could help India raise its farm output by nearly 15 per cent, by helping farmers tweak the best time to sow, irrigate or apply fertiliser, and, if rains fail, plan state-wide measures.

This would be a major boon for a country already either the world&#39;s biggest or second-biggest producer and consumer of rice, wheat, sugar and cotton.

Higher farm output will raise the income of some 600 million people who depend on farming for their livelihood, and boost demand for an array of goods and services.

(Reuters)

Pre-monsoon showers have already hit certain dry areas in the southern part of the country

India looks likely to receive higher monsoon rainfall than previously forecast as concern over the El Nino weather condition has eased, the chief of the weather office said on Tuesday, raising prospects of higher farm and economic growth. The state-run India Meteorological Department on April 18 forecast this year's monsoon rains at 96 per cent of the 50-year average of 89 cm. "Things have changed for the good since then," K.J. Ramesh, director general of the state-run India Meteorological Department, told Reuters in an interview. The monsoon delivers about 70 per cent of India's annual rainfall, critical for crops such as rice, cane, corn, cotton and soybeans because nearly half of the country's farmland lacks irrigation. "We assessed 96 per cent based on the climatological conditions up to March. Now, conditions are becoming favourable for an improvement over our April 18 estimate," Ramesh said. Australia's Bureau of Meteorology recently said there were signs of concerns easing over El Nino. El Nino, a warming of ocean surface temperatures in the eastern and central Pacific that typically occurs every few years and was linked to crop damage, fires and flash floods, faded in 2016. The establishment phase of the monsoon north of the equator has already started, and the Indian Ocean Dipole phenomenon - which counters the impact of an El Nino - will have an incremental positive effect on the Indian monsoon, Ramesh said. Pre-monsoon showers have already hit certain dry areas in the southern part of the country, he said, bringing much-needed relief to farmers ahead of the start of the four-month monsoon season beginning June. India defines average, or normal, rainfall as between 96 per cent and 104 per cent of the 50-year average. Jettisoning a statistical method introduced under British colonial rule in the 1920s, the India Meteorology Department has for the first time relied on the so-called dynamic model to improve the accuracy of one of the world's most vital weather forecasts. The new system, based on US model tweaked for India, requires large computing power to generate three-dimensional models to help predict how the monsoon is likely to develop. Experts say better forecasting could help India raise its farm output by nearly 15 per cent, by helping farmers tweak the best time to sow, irrigate or apply fertiliser, and, if rains fail, plan state-wide measures. This would be a major boon for a country already either the world's biggest or second-biggest producer and consumer of rice, wheat, sugar and cotton. Higher farm output will raise the income of some 600 million people who depend on farming for their livelihood, and boost demand for an array of goods and services. (Reuters)

India to receive higher rainfall than previously forecast: Met

Hundreds of tourists and locals were stranded today in eastern Indian states of West Bengal and Sikkim following landslides due to heavy rains.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

While most highways remained cut off from the cities and towns, tourists were stranded on several arterial roads for several hours as they waited for the debris to get cleared. Normal life remained&nbsp;paralysed as locals could not step out of their homes due to waterlogging.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Landslides were reported in West Bengal&#39;s Alipurduar and Darjeeling districts. A portion of an arterial road between Siliguri and Sevok in Jalpaiguri district caved in due to landslip, sources informed WION. Another hill road&nbsp;in the district of Darjeeling also collapsed.

&nbsp;

Incessant rains over the last 48 hours, however,&nbsp;affected the repair work of these hill roads, official sources said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

North Bengal development minister Gautam Deb said that the tourists are safe and the government will ensure all arrangements are being made for smooth movement of traffic. &ldquo;Repair work is&nbsp;going on the highways and the roads, where landslides have occurred. Meanwhile, all vehicles are being diverted to other routes till the time all roads are repaired. All tourists are safe,&rdquo; said Deb.

&nbsp;

In the eastern Indian state of Siliguri, services on National Highway 10, which connects Siliguri with Sikkim and Kalimpong (a hill station in West Bengal), remained disrupted due to the landslides. Another landslide was reported at Legship town, near Pelling town in Sikkim, severely affecting road traffic movement between Darjeeling and Legship.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Teesta and Jaldhaka rivers that flow through Jalpaiguri city of West Bengal, Mahananda river in Darjeeling, Santosh and Kaljani river in Alipurduar district have been overflowing in the wake of incessant rains. &nbsp;Several low-lying areas of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri have been inundated after the lock-gates on the Teesta river were opened. Weather office has predicted that these areas will receive more rainfall over the next 24 hours.

&nbsp;

West Bengal and Sikkim witness a steep surge in tourist footfalls during this time of the year. Locals and tourists participate in massive Durga Puja celebrations, a festival observed by the Bengali community.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

(WION)&nbsp;

While most highways remained cut off from the cities and towns, tourists were stranded on several arterial roads for several hours

Hundreds of tourists and locals were stranded today in eastern Indian states of West Bengal and Sikkim following landslides due to heavy rains. While most highways remained cut off from the cities and towns, tourists were stranded on several arterial roads for several hours as they waited for the debris to get cleared. Normal life remained paralysed as locals could not step out of their homes due to waterlogging. Landslides were reported in West Bengal's Alipurduar and Darjeeling districts. A portion of an arterial road between Siliguri and Sevok in Jalpaiguri district caved in due to landslip, sources informed WION. Another hill road in the district of Darjeeling also collapsed. Incessant rains over the last 48 hours, however, affected the repair work of these hill roads, official sources said. North Bengal development minister Gautam Deb said that the tourists are safe and the government will ensure all arrangements are being made for smooth movement of traffic. “Repair work is going on the highways and the roads, where landslides have occurred. Meanwhile, all vehicles are being diverted to other routes till the time all roads are repaired. All tourists are safe,” said Deb. In the eastern Indian state of Siliguri, services on National Highway 10, which connects Siliguri with Sikkim and Kalimpong (a hill station in West Bengal), remained disrupted due to the landslides. Another landslide was reported at Legship town, near Pelling town in Sikkim, severely affecting road traffic movement between Darjeeling and Legship. Teesta and Jaldhaka rivers that flow through Jalpaiguri city of West Bengal, Mahananda river in Darjeeling, Santosh and Kaljani river in Alipurduar district have been overflowing in the wake of incessant rains. Several low-lying areas of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri have been inundated after the lock-gates on the Teesta river were opened. Weather office has predicted that these areas will receive more rainfall over the next 24 hours. West Bengal and Sikkim witness a steep surge in tourist footfalls during this time of the year. Locals and tourists participate in massive Durga Puja celebrations, a festival observed by the Bengali community. (WION)

India: Hundreds stranded in West Bengal, Sikkim after landslides

Two people were killed in rain-related incidents in north Indian state of Uttarakhand today even as the showers subsided at most places including in capital city Dehradun where the sun emerged in the afternoon after a couple of days. 
 
India Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecast a decrease in rainfall from today onwards which may lead to lowering of water levels in the rivers. 
 
&quot;Though widespread rains from across Uttarakhand were reported this morning, they were moderate at most places and heavy only at a few, mostly in Dehradun, Haridwar, Tehri, Almora and Nainital districts.&nbsp;There will be further decrease in rainfall from today onwards with a drop in both intensity and distribution,&quot; said MeT director Vikram Singh, adding that there was no &quot;heavy rain&quot; warning for the state today or the next three to four days. 
 
The current spell of heavy rains has affected the Chardham Yatra, a pilgrimage to four holy sites in India, with the highways leading to the Himalayan shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath still blocked. 
 
Sahdev Chohri, a bank employee, was killed in Uttarkashi town of the state when the car he was driving fell into a swollen Bhagirathi river after being hit by a boulder due to a landslip, said Dharasu police station in-charge Ravindra Yadav.&nbsp;The mishap occurred on Rishikesh-Gangotri national highway when Chohri was on his way from Chinyalisaur town to Uttarkashi where he used to work in Punjab National Bank, he said. 
 
It took National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) personnel four hours to recover the body from the river. 
 
A child drowned in Badhedi Rajputana village of Haridwar district after being swept away by flood waters this morning. 
 
With these incidents, the number of casualties during the current spell of rains in the state has risen to 14 since Friday.&nbsp;Two more people from Jamalpur Khurd village of Haridwar district drowned late last night. 
 
Four were killed in Tehri district last evening as their car was hit by debris falling from the hill due to a landslide triggered by heavy rains.&nbsp;One woman was killed on Saturday morning when the bus she was travelling in overturned after being hit by the overflowing waters of a swollen canal at Haldwani in Nainital district. 
 
A tree fell over a cowshed late on Saturday evening in Uttarkashi town killing one on the spot and leaving two injured of whom, one succumbed on way to the hospital.&nbsp;A car skidded off the road and fell into a gorge, killing three and leaving two others injured in Pauri district on Saturday evening. 
 
(PTI)

India's Meteorological Department forecast a decrease in rainfall from today onwards, which may lead to lowering of water levels in rivers

Two people were killed in rain-related incidents in north Indian state of Uttarakhand today even as the showers subsided at most places including in capital city Dehradun where the sun emerged in the afternoon after a couple of days. India Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecast a decrease in rainfall from today onwards which may lead to lowering of water levels in the rivers. "Though widespread rains from across Uttarakhand were reported this morning, they were moderate at most places and heavy only at a few, mostly in Dehradun, Haridwar, Tehri, Almora and Nainital districts. There will be further decrease in rainfall from today onwards with a drop in both intensity and distribution," said MeT director Vikram Singh, adding that there was no "heavy rain" warning for the state today or the next three to four days. The current spell of heavy rains has affected the Chardham Yatra, a pilgrimage to four holy sites in India, with the highways leading to the Himalayan shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath still blocked. Sahdev Chohri, a bank employee, was killed in Uttarkashi town of the state when the car he was driving fell into a swollen Bhagirathi river after being hit by a boulder due to a landslip, said Dharasu police station in-charge Ravindra Yadav. The mishap occurred on Rishikesh-Gangotri national highway when Chohri was on his way from Chinyalisaur town to Uttarkashi where he used to work in Punjab National Bank, he said. It took National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) personnel four hours to recover the body from the river. A child drowned in Badhedi Rajputana village of Haridwar district after being swept away by flood waters this morning. With these incidents, the number of casualties during the current spell of rains in the state has risen to 14 since Friday. Two more people from Jamalpur Khurd village of Haridwar district drowned late last night. Four were killed in Tehri district last evening as their car was hit by debris falling from the hill due to a landslide triggered by heavy rains. One woman was killed on Saturday morning when the bus she was travelling in overturned after being hit by the overflowing waters of a swollen canal at Haldwani in Nainital district. A tree fell over a cowshed late on Saturday evening in Uttarkashi town killing one on the spot and leaving two injured of whom, one succumbed on way to the hospital. A car skidded off the road and fell into a gorge, killing three and leaving two others injured in Pauri district on Saturday evening. (PTI)

14 killed over weekend in rain-related incidents in north India

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