India: Adverse weather forecast across most of the country through at least May 2 /update 1

Event

Adverse weather is forecast across most of India through at least May 2. Heavy rainfall, strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail storms may accompany thunderstorms. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

As of April 28, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange thunderstorm, lightning, and hail warnings across eastern and central Maharashtra and Odisha states April 28. Yellow thunderstorm, lightning, and hail warnings are in place across most of the rest of India through May 2. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

The heavy rainfall triggered a landslide in the Shalgadi area of Ramban District, Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory April 27; authorities have closed parts of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, stranding more than 300 vehicles. Two people were injured when debris from the landslide hit their vehicle. The highway is the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country. Work to reopen the highway is ongoing but is being hampered by heavy rainfall. Another landslide that struck a house in the Kishtwar District resulted in one fatality while another person was rescued.

Hazardous Conditions
The storms could produce sustained rainfall across the affected areas and trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges and roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the affected regions.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at total capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Health
Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential freight delivery delays if routing shipments through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in case prolonged electricity outages occur.

Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect-borne and waterborne diseases in the coming days.

Resources

India Meteorological Department (IMD)