Jharkhand Meteorological Department has raised a storm and heavy rainfall state-wide alert in Jharkhand, advising the residents living in all districts to be alert over the coming few days. The state will, according to the forecast, continue to experience serious rain activity until August 17, and there will be strong winds, lightning, and thunderstorms, which can be expected in many places.
According to weather officials, the copious rain will cause a decrease in the temperature during the day of between 2-3 degrees Celsius and will provide a condensed cool down to the hot and humid weather currently being experienced. The heavy rain, though, might as well lead to localized floods and waterlogging, and possible interference in normal life, especially in low-lying areas or flood-prone regions.
This change has been blamed on a strong monsoon system that is over eastern India, with a low-pressure area that is forming over the Bay of Bengal and is moving toward Jharkhand. This system is attracting much moisture levels in the ocean, forming favourable conditions to supply much rainfall. According to weather reports, these tougher areas are likely to experience the most showers, which include Ranchi, Dhanbad, Jamshedpur, Hazaribagh, Dumka, and surrounding areas.
Also, the authorities of the state of Jharkhand revealed that the state has already received 36% higher than usual rainfall during the monsoon season this year. The abundance has made agriculture and replenished reservoirs, but it also raised the threat of flooding in case the rain does not stop after several days of the storm. Farmers have been warned to take preventive measures and ensure that crops, particularly the paddy fields, do not experience too much water lying.
The response teams in vulnerable districts have been put on alert by the disaster management department. People are advised to desist from unnecessary trips when there is heavy downpour associated with excessive flooding, fasten loose objects lying around the house, or remain inside when there is a thunderstorm. Local governments have also been advised to study water levels in the rivers and be prepared in case of evacuation procedures.
There are warnings in health circles of the risk of water-borne diseases when drainage becomes clogged due to longer-than-usual wet conditions. To avoid infections, people have been encouraged to consume boiled or filtered water, take care of their hygiene, and not to consume uncovered street food.
The weather department will keep placing normal updates and advisories. People are advised to pay attention to official news, monitor local forecasts and be ready for severe, unpredictable weather.
As the monsoon season is not likely to ease down in the next few days, Jharkhand will be facing wet and windy days, which will not only reduce the temperature but also may become a threat to infrastructure and agriculture, along with overall life.
