By-Business Connect Magazine
As the monsoon season intensifies, India is grappling with a series of extreme rainfall alerts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), signaling potential disruptions across multiple states. On August 19, 2025, the IMD forecasted extremely heavy rainfall over regions including Coastal Andhra Pradesh, South Chhattisgarh, South Odisha, Telangana, South Interior Karnataka, Konkan (including Mumbai), Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Coastal Karnataka, and Gujarat, with warnings extending through August 21.
These alerts, coupled with reports of widespread flooding and landslides, underscore the growing challenges posed by erratic monsoon patterns and climate change. As businesses, communities, and authorities brace for impact, the need for robust preparedness and adaptive strategies has never been more urgent.
A Deluge of Warnings: IMD’s Red Alerts
The IMD’s recent forecasts have painted a concerning picture, with red alerts issued for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several regions. On August 19, areas like Coastal Karnataka, South Interior Karnataka, and Telangana were flagged for intense downpours, while Mumbai, Konkan, Goa, and Gujarat faced warnings for August 19 and 20. A fresh low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, off the coasts of North Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha, is expected to exacerbate conditions, potentially triggering floods and landslides.
The IMD’s collaboration with the Central Water Commission, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on August 14, 2025, aims to enhance data exchange for better flood forecasting and disaster mitigation, highlighting the severity of the situation.
In Mumbai, the Mithi River has crossed the danger level, leading to severe waterlogging and transport disruptions. Over 837.3 mm of rain was recorded in the city between August 15 and 19, making this the wettest August in five years. Authorities have responded with school and college closures in Thane, Navi Mumbai, Panvel, and Palghar, while the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has urged residents to avoid low-lying areas and stay indoors due to gusty winds reaching 60 kmph.
Regional Impacts: From Maharashtra to the Himalayas
The impact of these extreme weather events is far-reaching. In Maharashtra, a landslide in Raigad district claimed the life of a 75-year-old woman, prompting rescue operations and heightened alerts in landslide-prone areas like Surya Nagar in Vikhroli. Pune, under an orange alert, has seen increased water discharge from dams like Khadakwasla and Pawna, with authorities carefully managing releases to prevent flooding. In Himachal Pradesh, the IMD issued orange alerts for districts like Kangra, Mandi, and Shimla, where heavy rainfall has triggered flash floods and landslides, causing widespread infrastructure damage and at least 37 fatalities across the state.
Uttarakhand is reeling from severe flooding and landslides, with the Alaknanda River swelling due to heavy rainfall in Rudraprayag and adjacent areas. The State Emergency Operations Centre has issued high-alert landslide warnings for Tehri, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli, reporting 23 flash floods and 16 landslides. In Odisha, rising river levels in Balasore and Mayurbhanj have forced evacuations, with the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and Fire Service engaged in rescue efforts. Gujarat, too, faces flood-like situations in Bhavnagar, with alerts issued for Kutch and Saurashtra.
Climate Change and the Rising Tide of Extreme Weather
The increasing frequency and intensity of these rainfall events are linked to climate change, which is making monsoon patterns more erratic. A study by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) notes a threefold rise in widespread extreme rain events across central India since 1950, affecting regions like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Odisha.
These events, covering areas larger than 500,000 km², are predictable two to three weeks in advance, offering a window for preparedness. However, as climate scientist Roxy Mathew Koll points out, rapid urban development in landslide-prone areas exacerbates risks, amplifying the destructive potential of these storms.
The IMD’s advanced forecasting tools, including satellite-based heavy rainfall alerts from the Space Applications Centre’s MOSDAC portal, provide real-time updates every 30 minutes. Yet, challenges remain in communicating these warnings to remote communities, as highlighted by atmospheric scientist Soma Sen Roy. With 95% of India’s extreme weather deaths in 2024 attributed to thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rainfall, the need for effective dissemination and action on forecasts is critical.
Economic and Social Implications
The economic toll of these extreme weather events is significant. In Himachal Pradesh alone, property damage from recent rains exceeds ₹400 crore, with blocked roads and disrupted utilities hampering recovery efforts. Businesses in affected regions, particularly in agriculture and tourism, face substantial losses due to damaged crops, disrupted supply chains, and reduced footfall in flood-hit areas.
Mumbai’s transport disruptions, including suspended Harbour Line trains and diverted flights, have impacted commerce and daily commutes, while Gujarat’s flooded infrastructure poses challenges for industries and residents alike.
Socially, the displacement of communities, such as in Odisha’s Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts, underscores the human cost. Evacuations, temporary shelters, and the loss of livelihoods are becoming recurrent challenges, particularly for vulnerable populations in low-lying areas. The IMD’s warnings of potential damage to crops, infrastructure, and essential services highlight the need for resilient urban planning and disaster preparedness.
A Call to Action: Building Resilience
As India navigates this monsoon season, the extreme rainfall alerts serve as a stark reminder of the need for proactive measures. Businesses must invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, such as flood-proof supply chains and adaptive operational strategies. Local governments should prioritize early warning systems, community outreach, and infrastructure upgrades to mitigate flood and landslide risks.
The IMD’s efforts, including the deployment of indigenous Ground-Based Microwave Radiometers and enhanced forecasting models, are steps in the right direction, but their success depends on coordinated action at all levels.
Citizens, too, play a crucial role. Staying informed through platforms like MOSDAC, adhering to safety advisories, and avoiding travel in vulnerable areas can save lives. As the monsoon continues to challenge India’s resilience, collective action—spanning government, businesses, and communities—will be key to weathering the storm.
FAQs on India’s Extreme Rainfall Alerts and Monsoon Impact
Q1. Why has the IMD issued red and orange alerts during this monsoon season?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued these alerts due to predictions of extremely heavy rainfall across states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana, Gujarat, and Himachal Pradesh. The alerts indicate a high risk of floods, landslides, and severe disruption to daily life.
Q2. Which regions are most affected by the current extreme rainfall?
Regions facing the highest impact include Mumbai, Konkan, Goa, Coastal and South Interior Karnataka, Telangana, Odisha, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. These areas are experiencing floods, landslides, waterlogging, and transport disruptions.
Q3. What role does climate change play in these extreme rainfall events?
Climate change has made monsoon patterns more erratic and intensified rainfall events. Studies show a threefold rise in widespread extreme rain events in central India since 1950, fueled by global warming and rapid urban development in vulnerable regions.
Q4. What are the main risks during such extreme weather conditions?
The primary risks include:
Flash floods and overflowing rivers
Landslides in hilly and urban areas
Infrastructure damage (roads, bridges, buildings)
Transport disruptions (trains, flights, and local commuting)
Crop losses and economic disruption in agriculture and tourism
Displacement of vulnerable communities
Q5. How are authorities responding to the situation?
Authorities have taken measures such as:
School and college closures in affected districts
Dam water releases managed to prevent floods
Deployment of disaster relief forces in Odisha, Maharashtra, and Himachal Pradesh
Flood forecasting collaboration between IMD and the Central Water Commission
Urging citizens to stay indoors and avoid low-lying areas
Q6. How has Mumbai been impacted by the heavy rainfall?
Mumbai recorded over 837 mm of rainfall between August 15–19, the wettest August in five years. The Mithi River crossed danger levels, causing severe waterlogging, suspension of local trains, diverted flights, and closure of schools and colleges in several nearby districts.
Q7. What economic and social impacts are being observed?
Economic: Crops have been damaged, property losses are rising (₹400+ crore in Himachal alone), and businesses face disrupted operations.
Social: Thousands have been displaced in states like Odisha, communities face livelihood challenges, and emergency shelters are being set up for flood victims.
Q8. How can citizens stay safe during these alerts?
Stay updated with IMD alerts and advisories.
Avoid traveling through flood-prone or landslide-prone areas.
Keep emergency kits ready (food, medicines, torch, documents).
Follow evacuation notices from local authorities.
Stay indoors during gusty winds and lightning storms.
Q9. What long-term measures are needed to tackle such situations?
India needs to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, better urban planning in flood-prone regions, efficient drainage systems, and stronger community-level disaster preparedness programs. Businesses must adapt supply chains, while citizens must stay proactive in disaster readiness.
Q11. What precautions should residents take during IMD red and orange alerts?
Residents should avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from low-lying or landslide-prone areas, stock essential supplies, and follow official advisories for safety.
Q12. How is Mumbai being affected by the current rainfall?
Mumbai has recorded over 837.3 mm of rainfall between August 15–19, making it the wettest August in five years. The Mithi River has crossed danger levels, causing waterlogging, transport disruptions, and closure of schools/colleges in several districts.
Q13. Which states are facing the highest risk of floods and landslides?
States currently at high risk include Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Odisha, Gujarat, and parts of Telangana and Karnataka.
Q14. What role does the Central Water Commission (CWC) play in flood management?
The CWC collaborates with IMD to share data for better flood forecasting, water management, and timely alerts to minimize flood-related disasters.
Q15. Why is climate change linked to increasing rainfall extremes?
Climate change is altering monsoon circulation and increasing sea surface temperatures, leading to more frequent and intense rainfall events across central and coastal India.
Q16. How is urban development making floods and landslides worse?
Unplanned construction, encroachment on floodplains, and deforestation in hilly areas reduce natural drainage, making cities and villages more vulnerable to flooding and landslides.
Q17. How can businesses prepare for extreme monsoon disruptions?
Businesses can strengthen supply chain resilience, adopt flood-proof infrastructure, insure assets against natural disasters, and create continuity plans for employees’ safety.
Q18. What are the latest technological advancements in IMD’s forecasting?
IMD uses indigenous Ground-Based Microwave Radiometers, satellite data, and the MOSDAC portal for real-time 30-minute rainfall updates, improving forecasting accuracy.
Q19. What are the main challenges in disaster communication?
The biggest challenge lies in reaching remote and vulnerable communities quickly. Despite accurate forecasts, lack of timely communication often results in high casualties.
Q20. What should tourists in affected states do?
Tourists should avoid trekking, river rafting, or traveling through landslide-prone regions. They must stay updated with IMD advisories and follow local administration instructions.
