Mumbai experienced heavy rainfall and gusty winds on Wednesday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for several areas across Maharashtra.
According to an official press release, the IMD has issued a warning of thunderstorms with lightning, light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds of 30 to 40 kmph for the next few days.
The regions that could be affected include parts of Konkan-Goa, Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada.
IMD issues warning to fishermen
The IMD has advised people to stay indoors during thunderstorms and urged fishermen and coastal residents in the Konkan region not to venture into the sea during periods of strong winds.
Commuters were also warned to travel with caution as sudden rainfall and strong gusts could reduce visibility and affect road safety. Several areas in South India witnessed heavy rains as the Northeast Monsoon gains strength.
Southern states are lashed by rain
A well-marked low pressure area over southwest Bay of Bengal near the Tamil Nadu coast has triggered intense showers in various parts of the state.
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said on Wednesday that the northeast monsoon is in full swing across the state, with continuous rainfall being reported in Chennai, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu districts.
Addressing a review meeting held at the DMK headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, in Chennai’s Teynampet, Udhayanidhi Stalin said, “The Northeast Monsoon is now in full swing. It is raining continuously in Chennai, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu districts. In Chennai, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur districts and Chengalpattu may not stop again and it will rain for two more days. intensify. Forecasts indicate that rainfall could be heavier than last year. Today’s meeting is to discuss how to deal with such a situation if it arises.’
The review meeting was held under Urban Administration Minister KN Nehru and was presided over by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. According to party sources, the meeting focused on issuing instructions related to the ongoing rain situation, precautionary measures and relief activities to be carried out by DMK members on the ground, ANI reported.
The IMD issued an orange alert for Kerala’s Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts on Wednesday.
Due to heavy rain and strong winds, the district authorities declared a holiday for educational institutions in Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram and Pathanamthitta on Wednesday. Night travel has been banned in the high-altitude district of Idukki.
Meanwhile, another well-marked area of low pressure over the southeast Arabian Sea has intensified into a trough. The system is located about 630 km west-southwest of Aminidivi (Lakshadweep) and 1020 km southwest of Panjim (Goa).
According to the IMD, the depression is likely to move slowly in the north-northwest direction during the next 24 hours.
(With input from agencies)
