10 Jul 2023 | 11:38 AM UTC
India: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across northern regions as of July 10 /update 1
Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of northern India as of July 10. Casualties reported; further adverse weather forecast.
Event
Disruptions due to heavy rainfall and associated flooding and landslides are ongoing across parts of northern India as of July 10. Authorities have reported at least 23 weather-related fatalities across Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kasmir, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand in recent days. Delhi received its highest daily rainfall amount in over 40 years on July 9 and authorities are monitoring the water levels in the Yamuna River with a view to potentially evacuating at-risk communities. Schools have been closed in the capital due to the adverse weather. Residents in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand states have been advised by authorities not to venture out unless necessary due to the torrential downpours. Hundreds of roads across the affected region have been made impassable by floodwaters and landslides and many homes have been damaged, with Himachal Pradesh State being the worst-affected.
India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of further intense rainfall over Himachal Pradesh and surrounding areas on July 10, before rainfall amounts start to decrease from July 11. The IMD has issued red heavy rainfall, thunderstorm, and lightning warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale) across Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand states and Chandigarh and Delhi union territories July 10. Further orange and yellow warnings are in place over parts of the affected area July 10-14. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Health
Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming days. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
