New Delhi, Sep 23: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a flash flood risk alert for 33 districts across four states amid intense monsoon rainfall, warning of rapidly rising water levels and possible flooding in vulnerable areas.
The districts under high flash flood risk are spread across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana. Odisha has nine affected districts, Andhra Pradesh 14, Chhattisgarh four and Telangana six.
In Odisha, the districts on alert are Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kalahandi, Kandhamal and Puri.
In Andhra Pradesh, the alert covers Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, NTR, Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Palnadu and Prakasam.
Bastar, Sukma, Dantewada and Kondagaon in Chhattisgarh, and Bhadradri Kothagudem, Nalgonda, Suryapet, Khammam, Mahabubabad and Warangal in Telangana are also under high flash flood risk.
The risk has increased after weeks of monsoon rainfall left the soil saturated, reducing its ability to absorb fresh rain. Further heavy showers could lead to rapid surface runoff and sudden flooding.
A flash flood is a sudden and fast movement of water caused by intense rainfall over a short period. Such flooding can develop within minutes to a few hours, leaving limited time for people to respond.
The Central Water Commission (CWC) is monitoring rising river levels, including water levels reaching or crossing danger and flood-alert marks in parts of central and southern India.
Government agencies are also tracking rainfall, river levels, runoff and dam releases. The National Disaster Management Authority’s Sachet portal provides alerts for high-risk areas.
Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to avoid crossing fast-flowing streams, underpasses and low bridges during heavy rain and to move to higher ground immediately if water levels begin rising.
Authorities have also advised people to stay away from moving floodwater and keep essential items such as drinking water, torches, power banks, medicines and important documents ready for a possible evacuation.
People in the affected districts have been urged to closely monitor official updates from the IMD, CWC and other government agencies for the latest weather and flood warnings.
Note: The information supplied does not contain direct verbatim quotes from officials; the safety statements above are presented as reported advisories rather than attributed direct quotations.
