The India Meteorological on Saturday said, “The depression that was over Gangetic West Bengal has now moved westward into parts of Jharkhand and North Chhattisgarh. It is likely to weaken gradually into a well-marked low-pressure area by 27th July as it continues westward into East Madhya Pradesh. Despite the system moving away, strong monsoon winds continue to flow over the state. This will lead to widespread light to moderate rain across both North and South Bengal in the coming seven days, with heavy showers at isolated places.”
According to a statement, the south Bengal Districts of Nadia, Birbhum, Paschim Bardhaman, Purba Bardhaman are set to receive rain till July 31. The remaining districts are also set to receive rain throughout the week.
North Bengal districts including Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Kalimpong, Malda, Dakshin Dinajpur and Uttar Dinajpur are likely to see consistent light to moderate rain, as all the districts are under a yellow alert. An orange alert for Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar has also been issued by the IMD on July 27.
In an advisory the IMD said, “Coastal regions are under marine warnings as rough to very rough sea conditions are expected. High waves up to 3.2 meters are forecasted along the West Bengal-Odisha coast, and fishermen are strictly advised not to venture into the sea till 27th July.”
The public is advised to take safety precautions to avoid accidents due to waterlogging, poor visibility, and lightning strikes. Avoid venturing into open fields, low-lying areas, and under trees or electric poles and check for traffic congestion on your route before leaving for your destination, the advisory stated.
An orange alert had been issued for several districts of south Bengal including Hooghly, Paschim Bardhaman, Purba Bardhaman, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, and Birbhum on July 26 due with the possibility of heavy rainfall (7–11 cm), thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 30–40 kmph. A yellow alert had been issued for Bankura, Murshidabad, Purulia, and other adjoining districts for moderate rainfall.
(Anisha Ghosh is an intern a the Kolkata ofiice of The Indian Express)
