11 Sep 2018 | 02:25 AM UTC
India: Heavy rains forecast Sep. 10-14 for northeast prompt flooding concerns /update 1
India Meteorological Department forecasts heavy rain for northeast and sub-Himalayan region from September 10-14, prompting concerns about flooding
Event
Intense rainfall is expected in northeast India and the sub-Himalayan region from Monday, September 10, through Friday, September 14, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), prompting flood concerns. Heavy rain will affect the states of Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh in the country's northeast panhandle, as well as West Bengal, Sikkim, and Bihar. As of Tuesday, September 11, the Central Water Commission's (CWC) flood monitoring stations at many locations in the affected states are at "Orange" alert, the second-highest level and indicate a "Severe Flood," particularly along the Brahmaputra and Ganges and their tributaries in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, including the Siang. Flash flooding is also possible elsewhere in the abovementioned states.
Context
India experiences severe rain during the monsoon season (June to October). Monsoon rains frequently cause flooding, landslides, population evacuations and transportation disruptions. Flooding from monsoon rains have killed over 1200 people in six states this year. As of September 3, 488 people died from flooding in Kerala. Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have also experienced deadly floods with 256 and 210 deaths, respectively. Karnataka, Assam, and Uttarakhand have seen 170, 50, and 37 deaths from flooding in each of the respective states.
Advice
Individuals present in the affected states are advised to keep abreast of local weather forecasts, expect transportation disruptions, and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities. Please be advised 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 food discarded.