As the weather department has already given a yellow alert in various regions of Jharkhand, the state is going to languish under the influence of the monsoon rains. As a low-pressure area gets formed over the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted light intermittent rains and thunderstorms till July 20.
This warning is a warning to the citizens to be alert, especially those in places most likely to be waterlogged, lightning, and gusty winds. The yellow advisory means that people are advised to be alert, especially the vulnerable groups like farmers, school children, and persons who live in low-lying areas or disaster-prone settlements.
Weather expectancy is that districts such as Ranchi, Dhanbad, Bokaro, Jamshedpur, Deoghar, Dumka and Hazaribagh will receive moderate to massive rainfall with thunder and lightning during the next few days. This effect will be experienced more during the afternoon and evening hours with bouts of strong periods.
The monsoon, the intensity of which has gained momentum early in the month of July, has cooled down the scorching season of summer. It has, however, created some concern in other areas due to flooding, traffic and also the destruction of crops. Waterlogged roads are already evident in the areas with low drainage systems in different towns in the urban setup.
Although farmers might be happy about the rains that would help them in their sowing procedures, they are encouraged not to sleep. Random heavy rains may cause damage to the crops unless careful consideration of water management is put into place. Agriculturalists have advised that temporary drainage lines be included in farmlands to avoid water stagnation.
Residents in the urban areas are experiencing another problem. Frequent rains in Ranchi and Jamshedpur have led to waterlogging of major roads, leading to a speedy flow of traffic and the formation of potholes. Loss of power because of lightning and temperate winds has also been experienced in parts.
Parents and the school authorities have complained about the safety of the students, given the fact that there have been thunderstorms that are likely to happen in the morning and evening rush hours. Some schools in Ranchi have advised the students to bring a raincoat and an umbrella, and they are contemplating early dismissal on rainy days.
The state disaster management teams have been put on standby in the meantime. The local governments have been told to check the situation, especially in flood-affected areas such as Sahibganj, Pakur and Santhal Pargana.
People have also been advised by authorities not to take refuge under trees in case of lightning, to be indoors in the case of a thunderstorm, and to keep a tab on the local news to keep themselves updated on weather changes. People are encouraged not to go into rivers or even open fields during lightning-prone times.
As monsoon advances its strike in Jharkhand, the residents are being asked to remain vigilant but not panicked. The state should be able to survive the storm with an early warning and support of the population to still make the most out of this critical rainy season.
