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Red alert for 5 NE states; heavy rains affect region due to depression over Bangladesh
According to the regional Met centre in Guwahati, the downpours are due to a depression over Bangladesh which is slowly moving towards the northeast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday issued red alerts for five north eastern states, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Manipur. Most parts of northeast India have been witnessing heavy rainfall since Thursday night, which have continued till Friday afternoon, meteorological department officials said.
According to the regional Met centre in Guwahati, the downpours are due to a depression over Bangladesh which is slowly moving towards the northeast.
“The heavy rainfall that we are witnessing is due to the present depression over Bangladesh. It is moving slowly towards the northeast and is likely to weaken into a well-marked low pressure area in the next 24 hours,” said Sunit Das, scientist at the IMD office in Guwahati.
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There is a prediction of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places in the five north east states with squally winds between speeds of 40-60 km/hr at some places. An orange alert is in place in Tripura and Mizoram for Friday.
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has requested people, especially from Guwahati, to take necessary precautions and remain vigilant.
“Daily commuters and long-distance travellers are requested to plan their routes accordingly, avoiding unnecessary movement during periods of intense rainfall. Residents in low-lying and hillside areas should stay alert for any signs of flooding or landslides,” ASDMA stated in a release.
Public advisory in Manipur
Authorities in Kangpokpi, Senapati, Thoubal, Churachandpur, and Noney districts have urged public to remain alert and follow safety protocols in wake of the red alert.
According to a government statement, the IMD weather bulletin forecast “heavy to very heavy rainfall” in parts of Manipur from May 29 to June 1. The forecast also includes gusty winds, thunderstorms with lightning, and wind speeds ranging from 30 to 40km/hr. Rainfall of 7cm to 11cm in 24 hours is likely to occur at isolated places across the state.
officials at the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD) control room reported that the water levels of the three major rivers flowing through the Imphal valley—Imphal River, Nambul River, and Iril River are approaching danger marks.
As of 12pm on Friday, the water level of the Imphal River was recorded at 785.525 metres below ground level (mbgl), compared to its warning level of 785.900 mbgl. The Nambul River stood at 781.075 mbgl (warning level: 781.175 mbgl), while the Iril River measured 781.350 mbgl, still below its warning level of 786.700 mbgl.
An IFCD control room official told HT, “As per data recorded from 6 am to 10 am in the catchment area of Kangpokpi district, officials have recorded 14 mm of rainfall. But according to our field officials, the water level of the rivers is gradually increasing. The control room has not received any emergency call; however, the department is ready to tackle any emergency.
