Severe late-September weather has disrupted daily life across large parts of India, triggering heavy downpours, rising river levels, and administrative closures. From northern plains to eastern regions, intense spells driven by active weather systems have placed multiple states on high alert.
What Triggered the Severe Weather
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a deep depression formed over the Bay of Bengal near north coastal Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha is driving these sweeping weather changes. Moving in a north-westerly direction, the system is projected to weaken into a low-pressure area over eastern Madhya Pradesh and neighboring regions, subsequently pushing moisture toward Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and surrounding areas.
Continuous heavy rainfall has caused widespread disruptions, pushing rivers close to or above danger marks and forcing authorities to take emergency measures.
State-by-State Impact and Closures
The relentless rain has forced extensive administrative actions and rescue preparations across several states:
- Uttar Pradesh: Heavy downpours prompted district administrations to close schools up to class 12 in Lucknow, Kanpur Dehat, Ayodhya, and Kaushambi. Mirzapur, Banda, Chitrakoot, and Prayagraj have suspended classes up to class 8.
- Uttarakhand: A red alert has been issued for Bageshwar, Nainital, Pithoragarh, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar. Pithoragarh and Nainital have shut down all schools and Anganwadi centers due to landslide risks.
- Chhattisgarh & Odisha: Bastar division is witnessing severe waterlogging, with major reservoirs like Gangrel nearing full capacity. In Odisha, over 24 locations recorded more than 100mm of rainfall, prompting the evacuation of nearly 10,000 residents to relief centers.
- Bihar & Jharkhand: Rising water levels in rivers like the Kosi and Gandak have put northern districts on flood watch. In Ranchi, a falling tree damaged a school bus, though all children were safely rescued, and several flights faced brief disruptions.
Emergency Preparations and Next Steps
Disaster response teams, including ODRAF and local fire services, remain deployed in vulnerable zones. In Bihar's Saharsa district, official leaves have been canceled through mid-October to manage potential flood emergencies.
Meteorologists indicate that weather conditions may begin to improve in eastern states starting around September 27, though authorities continue to advise residents in affected areas to avoid unnecessary travel and stay clear of swollen rivers.
