15 Sep 2021 | 09:14 AM UTC
India: Severe weather forecast through Sept. 17 across western and central regions /update 1
Severe weather including heavy rainfall and strong winds forecast through at least Sept. 17 across western and central India.
Event
Heavy rain and strong winds are forecast to affect western and central India through at least Sept. 17. As of Sept. 15, the Indian Meteorological Department has issued orange (second-highest level on a four-tier scale) weather alerts for thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds for portions of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal states. Yellow thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong wind warnings are in place for the rest of the affected area. Authorities will likely issue new alerts, or update/rescind existing advisories, as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Initial reports indicate at least eight people have died in Gujarat State and four deaths in Odisha State, as of Sept. 15 due to the heavy rain and flooding. Authorities have evacuated at least 9,300 people from Gujarat State, mostly from Rajkot and Jamnagar districts. At least 164 villages in Gujarat State have reported power outages.
Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. A national highway through Jamnagar as well as at least 18 state highways passing through Rajkot, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Junagadh, Gir Somnath, and Junagadh districts, Saurashtra Region, Gujarat State are closed due to flooding. The road between Jam Kandorna and Gondal in the Rajkot District is closed due to a collapsed bridge over River Fofal. Flooding in Kharagpur has caused disruptions to train service between Bengal and Odisha. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Landslides could block roads and railways. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Further disruptions to rail transport are possible where floodwaters inundate tracks. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at regional airports.
Advice
Confirm flights. Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential freight delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Charge battery-powered devices in case prolonged electricity outages occur.
