NEW DELHI—Indian authorities issued flood alerts across several states on Wednesday as persistent monsoon rainfall caused rivers to swell, prompting evacuations in vulnerable areas and raising concerns over flash floods, landslides and transport disruptions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across parts of western, northern and central India, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and sections of the Himalayan region, while forecasting continued active monsoon conditions over the coming days. The weather agency advised residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to remain alert and follow instructions from local authorities.
State disaster management agencies said river levels had risen in multiple basins following days of sustained rainfall. District administrations monitored embankments and reservoirs, while emergency response teams were placed on standby in areas facing an elevated risk of flooding.
In Assam, flooding intensified after renewed rainfall, with the Assam State Disaster Management Authority reporting that more than 560,000 people had been affected across 16 districts. Authorities said rescue and relief operations were continuing as floodwaters inundated homes, roads and agricultural land.
In Maharashtra, the IMD maintained an orange alert for Mumbai and surrounding areas after heavy rain caused Tansa Lake, one of the city's key water supply reservoirs, to overflow. Officials warned that additional downpours could lead to localized flooding, waterlogging and traffic disruptions.
Heavy rainfall also affected parts of Jammu and Kashmir, where authorities suspended traffic on sections of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway following mudslides and falling rocks. Local administrations in districts including Doda and Kishtwar issued flood advisories as rivers and streams rose after continuous rainfall.
The IMD said active monsoon conditions were likely to continue across several regions, with isolated areas facing risks of flash floods, landslides and overflowing rivers. It urged people to avoid unnecessary travel in affected locations and advised fishermen not to venture into hazardous waters where warnings were in effect.
Disaster management authorities said they were coordinating with state governments to monitor river levels, operate relief shelters where needed and respond to emergencies. Officials said weather forecasts and flood advisories would continue to be updated as the southwest monsoon remained active across much of the country.
