India: Heavy monsoon rains expected in north and east India July 27-29 /update 5

Event

The Indian Meteorological Department forecast continued heavy monsoon rains for north and east India until Sunday, July 29, continuing the possibility of flooding. Two quasi-stationary low-pressure systems are impacting these areas and will bring heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, focusing on Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himalchal Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi in the north and West Bengal, Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur in the east. The system in the east may persist through early August, particularly affecting Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur.

Flooding has already affected New Delhi and Kolkata, leading to collapsed infrastructure, sinkholes, and long traffic jams in the cities. Flooding is likely to continue in the coming days.

Context

India's monsoon season generally runs from June through September. The current season is expected to bring normal levels of rainfall, with a 20 percent chance of above-average or below-average precipitation.

Advice

Individuals present in the aforementioned states are advised to monitor weather forecasts, refrain from traveling to flooded areas, and follow any instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded. Be aware that the risk of contracting water- and mosquito-borne diseases tends to rise after periods of heavy rain.