The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a red alert for Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, warning of heavy to very heavy rain in many districts. The alert comes during an active monsoon spell that has already brought widespread showers to northern India in recent days.
As per the IMD’s Nowcast, several districts in Punjab are likely to receive heavy rain. These include Malerkotla, Samana, Patiala, Nabha, Rajpura, Dera Bassi, Fatehgarh Sahib, Amloh, Mohali, Rampura Phul, Bassi Pathana, Khanna, Payal, Kharar, Khamanon, Ludhiana (East and West), Chamkaur Sahib, Samrala, Rupnagar, Bagha Purana, Faridkot, Moga, Zira, Shahkot, Sultanpur Lodhi, Khadur Sahib, Nihal Singhwala, Raikot, Jagraon, Phillaur, Nakodar, Phagwara, Kapurthala, Nawanshahr, Balachaur, Anandpur Sahib, Garhshankar, Nangal, Hoshiarpur, Baba Bakala, Batala, Bhulath and Dasua.
In Haryana, the warning has been issued for Karnal, Indri, Thanesar, Kaithal, Nilokheri, Radaur, Barara, Jagadhri, Chhachhrauli, Narayangarh, Panchkula, Guhla, Pehowa, Shahabad, Ambala and Kalka. Chandigarh has also been placed under red alert.
Weather systems are currently favourable for intense rainfall in the region, driven by strong monsoon currents from the Bay of Bengal and local convective activity. "The intensity of rainfall is expected to increase over the next few hours, which could lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas and disruption of traffic," the department cautioned.
Authorities in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh have been asked to stay on high alert and take safety measures to avoid flood-like situations. People have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, remain indoors during heavy rain and follow instructions issued by the district administrations.
Rain since Sunday has already impacted many areas, including Chandigarh, Mohali, Zirakpur, Kharar and parts of Punjab. The downpour has raised concerns about overflowing drains, rising river levels and possible damage to crops in agricultural belts.
Also Read: Punjab floods: CM's letter to PM urges ₹60,000 cr funds release
Follow us
