Rain to continue: IMD issues red alert for Maharashtra, Gujarat
What's the story
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for regions across Maharashtra, Konkan Goa, and Gujarat, warning of heavy rainfall.
Senior IMD scientist Naresh Kumar stated that "extremely heavy rainfall" will continue in these areas due to a westward-moving cyclonic circulation.
"We have given a red alert for Konkan Goa, Gujarat region, and Maharashtra," the IMD scientist told PTI.
The monsoon is expected to retract in Maharashtra by October 5.
Weather forecast
Monsoon withdrawal expected by October 5
Sunil Kamble, a scientist at the Regional Meteorological Centre in Mumbai, predicted that the monsoon will start to recede in the next five to six days.
"There are chances that monsoon will withdraw by October 5 but sometimes the chances increase, so the withdrawal date extends to October 10," he said.
He also mentioned that an orange alert has been issued for many districts from Thursday onwards, with green and yellow alerts expected from Friday.
Weather impact
Heavy rainfall disrupts public transport, flight operations
The heavy rainfall has caused widespread disruption in Maharashtra, with over 200mm of rain recorded on Wednesday night and Thursday morning.
This led to waterlogging and blocked streets across Mumbai, Pune, and Thane.
Public transport services were affected and flights were delayed due to the incessant rainfall.
However, train and bus services resumed on Thursday morning as water levels receded in many parts.
Precautionary measures
Rain in other regions
Heavy rain also lashed numerous sections of Uttarakhand early on Thursday, rising water levels in different rivers, including the Dharma Ganga.
The weather office has issued a warning of very heavy rain, with downpours likely at one or two spots in the sub-Himalayan districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar until Friday morning.
Additionally, all districts of South Bengal, including Kolkata, are expected to receive severe rain until Friday morning.