Extreme Rainfall Alert: Understanding, Preparing, and Responding

Introduction

Extreme rainfall events have increasingly tested the preparedness of regions worldwide—and prominently in India during the 2025 monsoon. From devastating cloudbursts in Himalayan zones to record-breaking downpours paralyzing cities like Mumbai and Pune, India is witnessing both natural intensity and infrastructural vulnerabilities. These episodes underscore that while meteorological forecasting has improved, the urgency of adaptation through awareness and structured action remains critical.

In this article, we delve into the dynamics behind extreme rainfall alerts, examine recent events, explore institutional responses, and highlight how individuals and communities can better prepare for rain-driven emergencies.

What Is an 'Extreme Rainfall Alert'?

Understanding Alert Levels

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) classifies rainfall severity using a four-level system:

• Yellow Alert: Heavy rainfall expected—stay alert.

• Orange Alert: Very heavy rainfall likely—take action.

• Red Alert: Extremely heavy rainfall expected—immediate precautions required.

• Cloudburst Warning: Sudden, intense localized downpour (over 100 mm/hour)—minimum reaction time for warnings.

Recent tragedies across the Himalayas—including flash floods in Kishtwar (at least 67 deaths, over 200 missing) and Uttarakhand (5+ dead, 50+ missing)—were triggered by such cloudbursts.

Role of Forecasting Technologies

Forecast accuracy has improved rapidly, especially with the launch of the Bharat Forecasting System (BFS), which operates on a 6 km grid and enhances localized predictions of heavy rainfall.

Critical tools supporting alerts include:

• Doppler Radars for tracking storms.

• INSAT-3D/3DR satellites for real-time atmospheric data.

• Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) for region-specific climatic inputs.

Nevertheless, mesoscale events like cloudbursts still challenge predictive models, which often under-predict extreme localized rain.

Recent Extreme Rainfall Events in India (2025)

Urban Havoc: Mumbai & Pune

• Mumbai: The city recorded over 1,000 mm of rain by August 20, nearly double its monthly norm (560 mm), with 409 mm within 36 hours in some zones.

  • IMD issued Orange and Red alerts.

  • Local trains were halted; Bandra Terminus–Kaman Road service shut down; hundreds stranded and evacuated.

  • Six fatal incidents reported; schools closed, relief helpline activated.

• Pune & Ghats: In 24 hours, Tamhini received 575 mm, and Lonavla 418 mm, leading to landslides, evacuations, and widespread flooding.

Mountain Disasters: Cloudbursts in Kishtwar & Uttarakhand

• Kishtwar, J&K: On August 14, a cloudburst triggered a flash flood at Machail Mata Yatra route, causing at least 67 deaths, hundreds injured, and around 200 missing.

• Uttarakhand: On August 5, flash floods—possibly from a cloudburst or glacial lake outburst—devastated Dharali village, leaving 5+ dead, 50+ missing, and countless homes destroyed.

Northeast Calamities: Meghalaya, Mizoram, Assam

• Meghalaya: In late May, areas like Cherrapunji and Khasi Hills registered over 470 mm in 24 hours, with landslides, deaths (including two children from lightning), and over 1,100 impacted.

• Mizoram: Heavy rains led to 5 deaths, 552 landslides, housing damage, and widespread displacement.

• Silchar, Assam: Recorded 415.8 mm in a single day, breaking a 132-year record, triggering floods across NE states.

Impact Matrix of Extreme Rainfall Events

Responding to Alerts: Government and Community Actions

Institutional Responses & Preparedness

• NDRF & SDRF Deployment: Teams mobilized in affected areas for rescue and flood management.

• Flood Control Rooms: Active 24×7 in vulnerable zones; dam management tightened (e.g., Hirakud, Almatti) to regulate flow.

• Evacuations: Performed in Assam, Maharashtra, Karnataka—relief centers established, villagers moved to safe zones.

• Health Interventions: Mosquito nets, ORS, clean water distributed in rural Bihar and Odisha to preempt outbreaks.

Community-Level Safety Measures

Authorities recommend:

1. Avoid travel during warnings; stay clear of waterlogged areas and low-lying zones.

2. Stock emergency essentials—power banks, non-perishables, medicines.

3. Evacuate when directed; adhere to local advisories and alerts.

4. Avoid crossing unstable terrain; stay away from flood-prone areas and weak structures.

5. Rely on verified sources; don’t spread misinformation via social media.

Why Extreme Rainfall Events Are Intensifying 

• Climate Change Amplification: Warmer air holds more moisture, intensifying rain patterns during monsoon (even likened to “steroids” by experts).

• Urban Drainage Failures: Poor systems exacerbate flooding in cities like Mumbai.

• Sensitive Geographies: Mountainous areas—prone to landslides and floods—face compounded risk.

• Limited Forecasting Precision: Cloudbursts occur on tiny scales, challenging existing models despite advances.

• Recurring Trend Projections: WMO warns of continued heavy rainfall trends across South Asia through 2029.

Actionable Safety Checklist

• Head these alerts:

  • Yellow: Stay aware.

  • Orange: Plan actions.

  • Red: Prioritize safety; possibly evacuate.

• Household Readiness:

  • Create heat maps of vulnerable zones.

  • Prepare emergency kits—flashlights, medicines.

  • Keep emergency lines handy (e.g., Mumbai’s BMC 1916 helpline).

• Stay Informed:

  • Enable location-based weather alerts.

  • Follow official weather channels or local disaster apps.

  • Verify before sharing weather updates.

• For Educators & Caregivers:

  • Keep children indoors during alerts.

  • Monitor school closures and advisories.

Conclusion

Extreme rainfall alerts are more than weather jargon—they are vital warnings that can save lives and reduce disaster impacts. From cloudburst-induced tragedies in our mountains to flood crises in major cities, 2025 has starkly underscored the urgency of preparedness. While forecasting capabilities are strengthening with tools like BFS and enhanced radar networks, we must pair technological advances with community resilience, informed leadership, and sustainable infrastructure.