On Wednesday, The India Meteorological Department issued alert for flash floods due to heavy rains in various western coastal states from Goa to Gujarat. Flash flood is a sudden local flood due to heavy rainfall. It floods the low lying areas. It usually begins within 3-6 hours of heavy rain pour. Throughout the week, more rain is expected to fall in the western states. Southwest monsoon always brings havoc to the western states, but Mumbai recorded one of its heaviest showers in July, recording over 1,400 mm.
The IMD has placed Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra on a red alert till the weekend. Heavy rains and landslides hit rail and road traffic at several places in these ares. The incessant rains overpowered villages in the low-lying areas. Road traffic from Belagavi in Karnataka to Goa was affected after a landslide at Chorla Ghat on the border. The Chief inisters of the respective states have advised the people to reduce their travel through these areas until the weather mellows down.
Where are heavy rains recorded?
- Unkal Lake in Karnataka’s Hubli district is overflowing due to heavy rainfall in and around the city.
- Water Level Reaches Danger Mark in Kolhapur.
- Heavy rains pound Kerala’s Malappuram district.
- Water level of Netravathi River rose in Mangaluru following heavy rainfall in the region.
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Shivamogga, in Karnataka, received intense rainfall on Monday.
- Rain lashes parts of Belagavai district.
- Low-lying areas in Goa witnessed flooding which include Sattari and Bicholim.
- Landslide on Castle Rock (Karnataka) and Vasco da Gama section of the South Western Railway (SWR) stopped rail transport.
When will the rains mellow down in these areas?
This year the rainfall is likely to be normal in the second half of the four-month monsoon season, the IMD has said in its long range forecast for August-September. A statement issued on August 6, 2020 by The India Mtereological Department read, “Widespread rainfall with isolated/ scattered heavy to very heavy falls most likely to continue over Gujarat state, Konkan and Goa and ghat areas during next 24 hours and decrease thereafter.”
In the wake of rising rainfall, the areas adjoining rivers are advised to stay alert. After Cyclone Nisarga hit many parts of south-west, this rain comes as even more burden to the residents.
It is advisory to all the residents in the low-lying and isolated villages to stay alert and stay safe. This weekend will be hard for people of these states but officials have their eyes open to come in the form of rescue wherever needed.
