India: Heavy rains to persist in north and northeast India through August 7 /update 10

Event

Heavy monsoon rains have displaced thousands across northern India, with more rain forecast for the north and northeast through Tuesday, August 7. Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, and Uttarakhand will be particularly affected, according to the India Meteorological Department. Continued flooding and transportation and telecommunication problems are likely.

Heavy rains will continue to fall in northeastern India until Sunday, August 5. Flooding in five districts in Assam has affected 60,000 people, according to officials. At least 10,000 have been displaced and relocated to shelters. Three people died in recent flooding, bringing the total number of deaths in Assam to 41. The most flooded districts are Lakhimpur, Golaghat, Biswanath, Barpeta, Sivsagar, and Charaideo.

After the weekend, heavy rain is expected further to the west. Uttarakhand is likely to experience heavy to very heavy rain beginning Sunday, August 5 and continuing into mid-week. In Delhi, the Yamuna River has receded from its five-year high on Tuesday, July 31. A total of 13,915 people fled their homes when floodwaters crested earlier this week. Delhi will receive more monsoon rains beginning Monday, August 6. To its east, in Uttar Pradesh, the death toll has risen to 109 as of Thursday, August 2. The eastern portions of the state will experience heavy rain through August 7.

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 areas 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.