As the southwest monsoon continues its advance across India, widespread rain-related disruptions have been reported in multiple states. From power outages and transportation hurdles to tragic fatalities and waterlogging, the intensity of the early monsoon has left a trail of chaos across the subcontinent. On Thursday alone, two people lost their lives in rain-related incidents in Karnataka and Kerala.
Tragic Loss of Lives Due to Monsoon Rains
In Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, a 10-year-old girl tragically died after a compound wall collapsed on her home due to heavy overnight rainfall. Meanwhile, in Ernakulam, Kerala, an 85-year-old woman was crushed to death when a tree, uprooted by strong winds and rain, fell on her as she was returning home Thursday evening.
These incidents add to a growing list of rain-related fatalities reported in recent days. Earlier this week, a three-year-old girl lost her life in Belagavi, Karnataka, due to another wall collapse. Similarly, on May 19, a 35-year-old woman was killed in Bengaluru under similar circumstances.
Further north, rain-related casualties have also been reported. At least 13 people have died in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh in recent days. Delhi reported two deaths, while Uttar Pradesh recorded 11 fatalities, including:
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Three in Greater Noida
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Two each in Saharanpur and Etawah
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One each in Meerut, Jhansi, Aligarh, and Bijnor
IMD Issues Alerts Amid Cyclonic Circulations
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread thunderstorms, gusty winds, and heavy rainfall across several Indian states over the coming days. Two upper-air cyclonic circulations—one over West Rajasthan and another over northern-central Uttar Pradesh—are currently driving these weather conditions.
Delhi experienced light rainfall on Thursday evening, bringing short-lived relief from the humidity. However, an orange alert has been issued for the National Capital Region (NCR) for May 30, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and squalls.
In Kerala, a red alert has been issued in multiple districts. As a precautionary measure:
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Educational institutions were shut on May 30
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Night travel restrictions have been imposed in high-altitude regions of Idukki between 7 PM and 6 AM
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to conduct a two-day review meeting beginning May 30 to assess monsoon preparedness and evaluate ongoing development work with district officials.
Rainfall Impacts in the Northeast and East
In the Northeast, heavy rainfall led to severe waterlogging in parts of Guwahati, Assam, on Friday morning. Manipur also experienced significant flooding in several regions, including Imphal, disrupting normal life. In Tripura, continuous rainfall partially affected daily routines. The IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy showers in the Northeast over the next 24 hours, with wind speeds reaching 50–60 km/h.
A deep depression that had formed over Bangladesh and adjoining Gangetic West Bengal has now weakened into a low-pressure system. As of early Friday, the system was centered around 60 km southwest of Tangail (Bangladesh) and 120 km northeast of Berhampore (India).
Region-Wise Weather Forecast and Alerts
Northwest India
From May 30 to June 2, scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (40–50 km/h) is expected across:
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Jammu and Kashmir
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Ladakh
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Gilgit-Baltistan and Muzaffarabad
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Himachal Pradesh
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Uttarakhand
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Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan
Key Forecast Highlights:
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May 30: Thundersqualls with wind speeds of up to 70 km/h likely in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi
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May 31 and June 1: Himachal Pradesh may see similar gusts
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Shimla witnessed a hailstorm and heavy rain on Friday morning
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Isolated heavy rain:
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Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad: May 30–31
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Himachal Pradesh: May 31–June 1
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Uttarakhand: May 30–June 2
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Dust storms possible in West Rajasthan on May 30
South Peninsular India
Between May 30 and June 1, Kerala, Mahe, and Karnataka are expected to receive:
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Fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall
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Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of up to 50 km/h
Heavy Rainfall Forecast:
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Kerala and Mahe: Isolated extremely heavy rainfall on May 30, continuing on May 31
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Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, and Coastal Karnataka: Heavy to very heavy rainfall on May 30
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Coastal Karnataka: Additional rainfall expected May 31–June 1
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South Interior Karnataka: Rainfall likely on May 30
Northeast India
Widespread rainfall is forecast for the entire region through the week. From May 30 to June 1, the following states will experience isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall:
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Sub-Himalayan West Bengal
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Sikkim
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Assam
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Meghalaya
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Arunachal Pradesh
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Nagaland
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Manipur
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Mizoram
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Tripura
Extremely Heavy Rainfall:
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Expected in Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and other northeastern states on May 30
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Meghalaya may receive over 30 cm of rain in some locations
East and Central India
From May 30 to June 1, scattered to fairly widespread rainfall is expected across:
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Vidarbha
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Chhattisgarh
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Gangetic West Bengal
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Jharkhand
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Odisha
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Madhya Pradesh
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Bihar
Weather Warnings:
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East Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh: Thunderstorms with gusty winds up to 70 km/h on May 30
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Heavy rainfall: Expected over Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Gangetic West Bengal, and Odisha on the same day
West India
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Konkan and Goa: Isolated heavy rainfall forecast for June 1 and 2
Madhya Pradesh Braces for Storms: IMD Issues Alert in 36 Districts
The state of Madhya Pradesh is currently experiencing intense pre-monsoon activity, with a combination of thunderstorms, high winds, and shifting weather patterns.
Multiple Cyclonic Systems in Play
According to meteorologists:
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A low-pressure area persists over West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh
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Upper air cyclonic circulations are active over West Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh
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A trough stretches from Southeast Rajasthan to West Bengal, resulting in high atmospheric moisture and rain potential
District-Wise Alerts (May 30)
Rainfall with wind speeds of up to 60 km/h or more is expected in:
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Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, Mandla, Balaghat
Additional alerts for thunderstorms and rain apply to:
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Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Dewas, Harda, Betul, Narmadapuram, Raisen, Vidisha
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And Ashoknagar, Shivpuri, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Sagar, Damoh, Panna, Satna, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi, Singrauli, Shahdol, Anuppur, Dindori, Umaria, Katni, Maihar
Forecast for May 31 and June 1
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May 31: Thunderstorm and rain in major districts including Bhopal, Gwalior, Alirajpur, Jhabua, Ratlam, Ujjain, and more
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June 1: Strong thunderstorms and gusty winds predicted for Indore, Neemuch, Barwani, and several others
As the monsoon sweeps through the country, its impact has been both beneficial and destructive. While rainfall is essential for agriculture and replenishing water reserves, the accompanying hazards—landslides, infrastructure damage, and loss of life—underscore the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness.
With IMD’s regional alerts in place, citizens are advised to stay informed, limit unnecessary travel, and follow government advisories closely. As India braces for more rain in the coming days, the emphasis remains on minimizing risk and ensuring public safety.
With inputs from agencies
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