IMD Predicts Severe Rainfall and Thunderstorms in Coastal West Bengal

Rapid Summary

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across West Bengal until July 31, due to a depression over coastal West Bengal, Bay of Bengal, and adjoining areas.
• South Bengal districts are expected to experience widespread light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy and very heavy showers over the next 24 hours. Rainfall activity is likely to continue for six days.
• Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (30-40 km/h) are predicted in South Bengal from July 25-27.
• Potential impacts in South Bengal include waterlogging,reduced visibility,disrupted traffic flow,rising river levels,damage to kutchha roads/houses,and harm to crops.
• North Bengal could face temporary waterlogging and risks from lightning strikes in open areas.
• Fisherfolk have been warned against venturing into the northern/central Bay of Bengal or along Odisha/West Bengal coasts from July 25-29 due to hazardous conditions.

Indian Opinion Analysis

the IMD’s warnings highlight significant implications for both urban centers and rural communities across West Bengal during this monsoon period. Waterlogging and infrastructure damage could strain local authorities’ ability to maintain essential services like transportation and electricity distribution.Agricultural losses may also affect farmers already vulnerable during the monsoon season due to unpredictable weather patterns.

The advisories for fisherfolk emphasize the need for safety measures in regions heavily dependent on coastal livelihoods while demonstrating how extreme weather linked with depressions affects economic activities like fishing.

This forecast underscores the importance of disaster preparedness at local levels through government interventions such as improved drainage systems in cities or shelters equipped for emergencies in rural areas-key factors towards mitigating losses during increasingly intense monsoons attributed partly to climate variability.

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