New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a red alert for multiple states, warning of more intense rainfall in the next few hours. Parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha are expected to see heavy to very heavy showers, raising the risk of flash floods, landslides, and severe waterlogging.
Jammu & Kashmir Hit Hard
The situation in Jammu & Kashmir is especially concerning. Districts such as Reasi, Rajouri, Jammu, Ramban, Udhampur, Samba, Kathua, Doda, and Kishtwar have reported significant rainfall. Reasi alone recorded 230.5 mm of rain by early Wednesday morning, one of the highest totals in recent years. Katra logged 193 mm, Batote 157 mm, while Doda and Banihal also saw over 100 mm of rainfall.
Authorities have announced that all schools, both government and private, in the Jammu Division will remain closed on September 3 to ensure the safety of students.
Red Alert for Punjab and Himachal Pradesh
In Punjab, districts including Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Nawashahr, Rupnagar, Moga, Ludhiana, Barnala, and Sangrur are under red alert. Himachal Pradesh has placed Mandi, Una, Bilaspur, Sirmaur, and Solan on high alert, with warnings of possible landslides in hilly terrain.
Other States on Alert
Parts of northern Haryana, Yamuna Nagar, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Panchkula, and SAS Nagar, are also under the highest warning level. Meanwhile, eastern Rajasthan, parts of Madhya Pradesh, southwest Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha are likely to receive heavy rainfall in the coming hours.
Widespread Rainfall Beyond the North
IMD reports also confirmed rainfall activity in Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Bihar, West Bengal, coastal Odisha, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and the Andaman Islands during the past 24 hours, though the intensity in these regions was relatively lower.
