India States Alerted for Pre-Monsoon Rains Amidst Severe Heatwave; Bihar and UP Report Significant Casualties

Kathmandu. While various states of neighboring country India are grappling with a severe heatwave, an alert for pre-monsoon rain has been issued in more than 15 states. In the last 24 hours, a large number of human casualties have occurred due to thunderstorms, rain, and lightning in India's Bihar and Uttar Pradesh (UP). In these two states alone, 48 people have lost their lives due to weather-related disasters.

In Bihar, 17 people have died in the last 24 hours due to storms, rain, and lightning. Flight operations in the provincial capital Patna have also been severely affected due to bad weather and heavy rainfall. Four flights scheduled to land at Patna airport were diverted to other locations, while 18 flights were delayed, leaving more than 500 passengers stranded. According to the Meteorological Department, there is a possibility of rain in 25 districts of Bihar today.

Similarly, in Uttar Pradesh, 31 people have died in the last 24 hours due to storms and rain. In Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, after heavy rainfall, water with strong currents from the hilly areas washed away 10 vehicles, including an Innova car and a tractor, that were running on the road. The Meteorological Department has issued a rain alert in all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh. The temperature in many cities of India has currently exceeded 45 degrees Celsius. Doctors have advised special attention to diet and daily routine to protect young children from heatstroke and sunstroke during this hot season.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has informed that the monsoon is expected to enter India's Kerala state within the next 7 days. However, the department has estimated that this year's monsoon will be weaker than average overall. According to IMD, there is a possibility of below-average rainfall in most parts of the country from June to September. This season, an average of only 78 centimeters of rain is estimated across the country, whereas the average for normal monsoon rainfall in India is considered to be 87 centimeters.

While Bihar and Uttar Pradesh may receive normal rainfall, it is feared that the monsoon may remain weak in other areas, especially in regions dependent on rain-fed agriculture.