Uttar Pradesh has been placed on high alert following the devastating flash floods in neighbouring Nepal, with authorities conducting 24-hour monitoring in border districts and activating emergency arrangements for Indians who may be stranded or missing in the disaster-hit country. Bihar and other states have also stepped up preparedness as officials monitor the possible downstream impact of the floods. 

The flash floods, which struck Nepal's Rasuwa district and areas along the Bhote Koshi river corridor, have caused extensive loss of life and infrastructure. The disaster has also affected foreign tourists and pilgrims, including Indian nationals, prompting Indian state governments and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu to establish helplines for families seeking information about relatives. 

UP Begins 24-Hour Monitoring

The Uttar Pradesh government has directed officials in vulnerable border districts to maintain round-the-clock vigilance amid concerns over possible changes in river levels. The state has also issued emergency helpline number 1070 for people from Uttar Pradesh seeking assistance for relatives stranded in Nepal. 

The precautionary measures are significant because rivers originating in or flowing through Nepal feed into river systems in northern India. The Narayani River, for instance, becomes the Gandak after entering India and flows through Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, creating a direct hydrological link between the two countries. 

Bihar Also on Alert

Bihar has similarly been placed on high alert, with authorities monitoring the Gandak and other river systems for any sudden rise in water levels. The Centre has directed agencies to remain prepared, while National Disaster Response Force teams have been deployed in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh as a precautionary measure. 

The focus is on preventing loss of life in vulnerable areas, particularly settlements located close to rivers and low-lying zones. Officials are also keeping emergency response teams ready in case water levels rise rapidly.

States Open Helplines

Several Indian states have activated dedicated control rooms to help families locate residents who may have been travelling in Nepal. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has also issued emergency contact numbers for Indian nationals requiring assistance. 

According to the latest information compiled by The Statesman, helplines have been activated in states including Karnataka, Telangana, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, Rajasthan, Odisha and Sikkim. Families have been advised to provide details such as the traveller's full name, passport number, mobile number, last known location, accommodation and travel itinerary when contacting authorities. 

For Uttar Pradesh residents, the emergency number is 1070. The Indian Embassy's emergency contacts listed for people seeking assistance in Nepal are +977 985 131 6807 and +977 970 910 7500, with WhatsApp access also available. 

Hundreds Still Missing

The scale of the Nepal disaster has made the tracing of stranded Indians a major concern. Reports indicate that hundreds of people remain missing following the sudden flood, while the death toll has continued to rise as rescue teams recover bodies from affected areas.

The disaster has affected villages, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure along the Himalayan corridor. Rescue operations remain difficult because of damaged communications, blocked roads and the continuing risk of landslides and additional flooding. 

India Keeps Agencies Ready

Indian authorities are treating the situation as both a humanitarian emergency and a potential downstream flood risk. The Centre has maintained close coordination with the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, while disaster-response agencies remain prepared for any deterioration in conditions. 

The immediate priority is to protect vulnerable communities on the Indian side, track river levels and assist Indians caught in the Nepal disaster. Officials are also urging families searching for relatives to use the designated control rooms and provide complete identification and travel information to speed up tracing efforts.

The situation remains fluid, with rescue operations continuing in Nepal and authorities on both sides of the border monitoring developments closely.

The Kanhar River has risen sharply in Balrampur-Ramanujganj district as heavy rain continues in parts of Chhattisgarh, raising concerns of flooding in low-lying areas. Water has reached the CC road in Ward No. 9 of Ramanujganj town after what has been described as the biggest flood-like situation in the area this season. The local administration and municipal authorities have increased vigilance as the river continues to flow strongly.

Rain activity is expected to continue across Chhattisgarh over the next two days. The weather department has forecast light to moderate rain at several places on Wednesday, with heavy showers possible in some areas. Thunderstorms and lightning are also likely at isolated locations. The weather remains active because of a depression over Jharkhand and adjoining northern West Bengal, which is moving west-northwest and influencing rainfall over the region.

The system is expected to move further through Jharkhand and Bihar during the next 24 hours and gradually weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area. Its movement, along with an active monsoon trough, is contributing to the current rainfall pattern in Chhattisgarh. An upper-air cyclonic circulation is also present over eastern Uttar Pradesh and adjoining areas, adding to the weather activity.

In Balrampur, the heavy rain has pushed the Kanhar River close to residential and road areas. Water reaching the CC road in Ward 9 has increased concern among residents living in lower-lying parts of Ramanujganj. Officials and municipal teams are keeping watch on the situation, particularly as further rain could cause the river level to rise again. The exact extent of flooding will depend on rainfall in the river’s catchment areas and the movement of the weather system.

Raipur has also been seeing frequent rain for the past three days. The capital has remained under cloudy conditions, with intermittent showers continuing. On Wednesday, another spell of rain or thunderstorm activity was possible in the city. The maximum temperature was expected to remain around 30 degrees Celsius, while the minimum could stay near 24 degrees.

Across the state, temperatures have remained relatively moderate because of the persistent cloud cover and rainfall. Bilaspur recorded the highest maximum temperature of around 28 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, while Durg recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 21.6 degrees Celsius. The state-wide maximum temperature was around 26 degrees, with the minimum close to 23 degrees.

The weather department has advised caution in areas that receive intense rainfall, particularly where water levels in rivers and streams are already rising. Lightning is another concern during thunderstorms, and people are advised to avoid exposed areas during such spells. In Balrampur-Ramanujganj, the immediate focus remains on monitoring the Kanhar River and keeping residents in vulnerable areas informed.

The rain is expected to continue for at least the next two days, although its intensity may vary from one district to another. For now, the situation in Ramanujganj remains under watch as authorities assess the river level and the possibility of further water entering low-lying areas.

The monsoon has intensified across several parts of India, with heavy rainfall triggering waterlogging, flooding and landslides in multiple states. Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have reported significant weather-related disruptions, while the India Meteorological Department has issued rain alerts for several regions over the next two days.

In Lucknow, intense rainfall on Saturday left roads and residential areas waterlogged. Several parts of the Uttar Pradesh capital were inundated after around three hours of heavy rain, with water reaching nearly two feet in some locations.

Meanwhile, rising river levels have increased the flood threat in several districts of Uttar Pradesh. Rivers including the Ganga, Yamuna and Sharda are reported to be flowing at elevated levels. In Chitrakoot, the rising Mandakini River has affected nearby settlements, with floodwater entering homes in some colonies.

Lucknow Faces Severe Waterlogging

Heavy rainfall brought parts of Lucknow to a standstill, with roads turning into stretches of stagnant water. Residential areas and low-lying locations were among the worst affected.

The latest spell has added to concerns over drainage and waterlogging in the city as the monsoon remains active across Uttar Pradesh.

The rising water levels of several rivers are also being closely monitored, particularly in districts located along major river systems.

Chitrakoot River Levels Rise

In Chitrakoot, the Mandakini River has risen rapidly following heavy rainfall in the region. Floodwater reached colonies located near the river and entered some houses.

The situation has raised concerns for residents living in low-lying areas as rainfall continues in parts of the state.

A bridge connecting areas of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh was also reported to have been submerged, affecting movement in the region.

Odisha Evacuates Over 95,000

Odisha has been among the states most affected by the latest spell of heavy rain. Flooding disrupted normal life across six districts, with more than 95,000 people evacuated from vulnerable and low-lying areas following heavy rainfall during the previous 24 hours.

In Jajpur district, the Kani River rose sharply at Dasarathpur, causing water to accumulate across nearby areas.

An under-construction bridge over the Kani River, a tributary of the Baitarani, was washed away by floodwaters. The incident disrupted connectivity and highlighted the impact of the sudden rise in river levels.

The state remains under a heavy rainfall alert through August 18.

Himachal Reports 183 Deaths

Himachal Pradesh has also witnessed significant monsoon-related losses. According to the latest figures, 183 people have died in rain- and monsoon-related incidents between June 30 and August 15.

As of Saturday evening, 103 roads remained closed across the hill state due to landslides, flooding and other weather-related disruptions.

Authorities continue to monitor vulnerable areas as further rainfall could trigger additional landslides and road blockages.

Army Personnel Missing in Arunachal

In Arunachal Pradesh's Dibang Valley, a cloudburst triggered flash floods and landslides, leaving five Army personnel missing.

The Army said two soldiers were rescued safely, while search and rescue operations continued for the remaining personnel. Multiple Army teams and helicopters have been deployed for relief and search operations.

Elsewhere in Upper Subansiri district, a landslide reportedly killed four people.

Uttarakhand Dam Near Danger Mark

In Uttarakhand, the water level at Tehri Dam has reached the danger mark amid continuing rainfall and rising water levels.

Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation as heavy rain is expected to continue in parts of the state.

Red Alert in Odisha, Bengal

The weather situation is expected to remain active over the next two days.

For August 17, a red alert has been issued for heavy rain in Odisha and West Bengal. An orange alert is in place for Assam-Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir-Ladakh.

A yellow alert covers Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, central Maharashtra, Konkan-Goa, Sikkim and several northeastern states.

For August 18, an orange alert has been issued for Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Odisha, while several northern, central and northeastern states remain under yellow alerts.

With rivers already running high in several regions, authorities are expected to maintain close surveillance of flood-prone and landslide-prone areas as the latest monsoon spell continues.

Rudraprayag: Continuous heavy rainfall has intensified the flood situation in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district, with the Alaknanda River flowing above the danger mark and the Mandakini River also witnessing a sharp rise in water levels. The persistent downpour has inundated several low-lying areas, prompting the district administration to remain on high alert and closely monitor the evolving situation.

According to officials, rainfall has continued across the district since early morning, leading to a rapid increase in river discharge. The swelling Alaknanda has raised concerns in vulnerable locations situated along the riverbanks, while water levels in the Mandakini have also risen significantly due to heavy precipitation in the higher Himalayan regions.

District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar said that the upper reaches of the Himalayas have received substantial rainfall over the past several hours, causing a surge in water flow downstream. Authorities are continuously tracking river levels and weather conditions to respond quickly if the situation worsens.

The administration has deployed disaster management teams in sensitive areas and instructed local officials to remain prepared for any emergency. Rescue equipment and response personnel have been kept on standby as a precautionary measure, particularly in villages and settlements located near riverbanks and landslide-prone stretches.

Flooding has already been reported from several low-lying areas, where water has entered roads and open spaces, affecting normal movement. Officials are assessing the situation on the ground while advising residents living close to rivers and streams to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel.

The India Meteorological Department's forecast indicates that heavy rainfall is likely to continue through the day, raising the possibility of further increases in river levels. Authorities have appealed to pilgrims, tourists and local residents to follow official advisories and avoid venturing into high-risk zones during the ongoing spell of bad weather.

The Char Dham region, which experiences heavy tourist movement during the pilgrimage season, is also under close observation. Local administrations have been asked to coordinate with police, disaster response teams and public works departments to ensure that roads remain safe and emergency assistance is available if required.

Officials have also warned of possible landslides and falling debris along hilly roads due to saturated soil conditions. Travellers have been advised to check weather updates and road conditions before beginning their journeys.

Disaster management authorities are conducting continuous surveillance of the Alaknanda and Mandakini river systems, while communication channels have been strengthened with villages located in vulnerable areas. Relief teams are prepared to shift people to safer locations if water levels continue to rise.

Although no major casualties or large-scale damage had been officially reported at the time of the latest update, the administration has emphasised that the situation remains dynamic and residents should remain alert until weather conditions improve.

The southwest monsoon continues to remain active across Madhya Pradesh, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a heavy rainfall alert for 35 districts on Saturday. The weather department has also warned that several parts of the state may witness heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next four days, while another 20 districts are likely to receive light to moderate showers.

According to IMD, Madhya Pradesh has so far recorded an average of 330.4 mm (around 13 inches) of rainfall this monsoon season, which is approximately 35% of the state's normal seasonal rainfall quota. Although rainfall remains below the seasonal average, the deficit has narrowed significantly following widespread showers over the past few days.

Moisture From Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal Strengthens Monsoon

Meteorologists said the southwest monsoon is fully active across the state due to a combination of favorable weather systems. Continuous moisture inflow from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, along with the monsoon trough passing through Madhya Pradesh, has increased humidity levels to 80–95% in many regions.

According to weather experts, these conditions are creating an ideal environment for widespread rainfall, with isolated areas likely to experience intense downpours over the coming days.

35 Districts Under Heavy Rain Alert

The IMD has issued a heavy rainfall alert for the following districts:

• Bhopal
• Raisen
• Sehore
• Rajgarh
• Vidisha
• Indore
• Jhabua
• Alirajpur
• Dhar
• Burhanpur
• Barwani
• Khandwa
• Khargone
• Ujjain
• Neemuch
• Mandsaur
• Ratlam
• Agar Malwa
• Shajapur
• Dewas
• Narmadapuram
• Betul
• Harda
• Gwalior
• Sheopur
• Morena
• Bhind
• Datia
• Shivpuri
• Guna
• Ashoknagar
• Jabalpur
• Katni
• Narsinghpur
• Chhindwara

Meanwhile, districts including Pandhurna, Seoni, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Rewa, Satna, Sidhi, Singrauli, Mauganj, Maihar, Shahdol, Umaria, Anuppur, Sagar, Panna, Damoh, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, and Niwari are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall, with isolated spells of heavy showers.

Rainfall Deficit Narrows After Four Days of Showers

The recent spell of widespread rainfall has improved the state's seasonal rainfall statistics. Until July 20, Madhya Pradesh was facing a rainfall deficit of 17%, but continuous showers over the past four days have reduced the deficit to 11%.

At present, the state has recorded 330.4 mm of rainfall against the normal average of 370.9 mm expected by this time of the monsoon season.

Meteorologists say continued rainfall over the next few days could further reduce the deficit if the current weather pattern persists.

Dewas Leads in Seasonal Rainfall

Rainfall has been above normal in 14 districts, including Dewas, Bhopal, Indore, Sehore, Rajgarh, Harda, Burhanpur, Neemuch, Agar Malwa, Bhind, and Mandsaur.

Among them, Dewas has recorded the highest rainfall so far, receiving nearly 19.6 inches this season. However, despite recent improvements, 41 districts continue to report below-normal rainfall.

Flooding and Waterlogging Risk Remains High

The IMD has cautioned that continuous rainfall may result in waterlogging in low-lying areas, rising water levels in rivers and streams, and localized flood-like situations.

Residents have been advised to:

• Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall.
• Stay away from overflowing rivers and drains.
• Follow weather advisories issued by local authorities.
• Drive cautiously on waterlogged roads.
• Keep emergency supplies and essential medicines ready if living in flood-prone areas.

Historical Rainfall Records Highlight Monsoon Intensity

Madhya Pradesh has witnessed several remarkable rainfall events over the years.

• Indore recorded its highest 24-hour rainfall of 11.5 inches on July 27, 1913, while July 1973 remains its wettest month with over 30 inches of rainfall.
• Bhopal witnessed nearly 41 inches of rainfall in July 1986, with a one-day record of 11 inches on July 22, 1973.
• Jabalpur holds one of the state's highest monthly rainfall records, receiving nearly 45 inches in July 1930, while recording 13.5 inches in just 24 hours on July 30, 1915.
• Compared to other major cities, Gwalior typically records lower rainfall, averaging around 9 inches in July.
• Ujjain also experiences substantial rainfall during July, receiving nearly 40% of its annual monsoon rainfall during the month.

With the monsoon expected to remain active over the next several days, weather officials have urged residents to stay informed through official forecasts and take necessary precautions in areas vulnerable to flooding.

The southwest monsoon remained active across large parts of the country on Thursday, triggering floods, waterlogging and landslides in several states. Assam reported the highest loss of life over the past 24 hours, while heavy rainfall continued to affect Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and the Himalayan region, prompting weather alerts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), 10 people died in flood-related incidents during the last 24 hours, taking the total flood death toll in the state this year to 41. More than 6.53 lakh people across 11 districts remain affected as swollen rivers continue to inundate villages, damage infrastructure and disrupt daily life. Relief and rescue operations are underway in several flood-hit areas.

In Uttar Pradesh, continuous rainfall over recent days has pushed several rivers close to or above danger levels. The Sharda River in Lakhimpur Kheri is flowing above the danger mark, leading to flooding in villages along its banks. Reports of crocodiles entering roads and agricultural fields from overflowing rivers have also emerged, prompting local authorities to issue precautionary advisories. Weather warnings remain in place for multiple districts as authorities monitor the evolving situation.

Madhya Pradesh is also witnessing an active monsoon spell due to multiple weather systems operating simultaneously. The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall in several districts, with the possibility of localized flooding, waterlogging and disruption of road traffic. Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to remain alert as rainfall activity is expected to continue over the next 24 to 48 hours.

In Jammu and Kashmir, two people, a mother and her son, died after being swept away by floodwaters in Bandipora district while reportedly collecting firewood near a stream. Local authorities recovered the bodies and urged residents to avoid venturing near swollen streams and rivers during periods of intense rainfall.

The impact of the monsoon was visible in several other states as well. In Chhattisgarh, authorities opened the gates of the Minimata Bango Dam following rising water levels. In Bihar, erosion along the banks of the Kosi River continued to threaten nearby settlements, while Himachal Pradesh reported fresh landslides that disrupted traffic on highways in hilly areas. Rescue and restoration teams have been deployed in affected regions to clear debris and restore connectivity.

The IMD has forecast that active monsoon conditions will persist across large parts of the country over the next two days. For July 24, heavy rainfall is expected over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and parts of Central India, while thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely in parts of Rajasthan. Yellow alerts have also been issued for several northeastern and eastern states, including Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha.

On July 25, the weather department has predicted heavy rainfall over Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand and several northeastern states. Thunderstorms with lightning are also expected in parts of Chhattisgarh and East Rajasthan.

The IMD has advised residents in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and follow advisories issued by local administrations. Authorities across affected states have also appealed to people living near rivers and low-lying areas to stay alert as water levels continue to fluctuate.

The southwest monsoon remained active across Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, bringing widespread rainfall to more than 40 districts and disrupting normal life in several regions. Flooded roads, overflowing rivers and waterlogged underpasses affected transportation, while teachers in Shajapur were forced to cross a swollen stream to reach their school, highlighting the challenges posed by the continuing downpour.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Dhar recorded the highest rainfall in the state during the last 24 hours with 2.4 inches of rain. Rajgarh and Ratlam received 2.2 inches each, while Shivpuri and Khajuraho recorded 2 inches. Tikamgarh received 1.6 inches, Khargone 1.5 inches, and Ujjain, Bhopal and Datia registered around 1.4 inches of rainfall.

Several other districts, including Rewa, Jabalpur, Sehore, Vidisha, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Indore, Gwalior, Chhindwara, Balaghat, Panna, Mandla, Umaria, Harda, Khandwa, Betul and Sidhi, also witnessed moderate to heavy showers.

Teachers Cross Flooded Stream

One of the most striking scenes emerged from Shajapur district, where teachers of the Government High School in Naulaya crossed a flooded stream to ensure they reached school on time. School staff said the government's e-attendance system makes timely reporting mandatory despite the hazardous conditions.

Local residents said the problem recurs every monsoon due to the absence of a bridge or safe alternative route. Villagers have urged authorities to construct proper infrastructure before a serious accident occurs.

Waterlogging Hits Urban Areas

Continuous rainfall also caused waterlogging in several towns and cities.

In Ratlam, the Sagod Road–Ishwar Nagar railway underpass remained submerged after overnight rain, disrupting the movement of schoolchildren and commuters. Although railway officials attempted to pump out the water, the pumping equipment reportedly malfunctioned, forcing many residents to take longer alternative routes. Some motorists continued to drive through the flooded underpass despite the risks.

In Barwani and Sendhwa, intermittent showers continued throughout the morning, while overflowing rivers and streams cut off access to several rural areas. The Dhanora village stream in Sendhwa was flowing close to bridge level, raising concerns that road connectivity could soon be interrupted if rainfall continues.

Rivers Swell, Crops Face Mixed Impact

The Kulans River in Sehore has witnessed a steady rise in water levels, increasing inflows into Bhopal's Upper Lake, an important source of drinking water for the capital city.

While the rainfall has brought much-needed moisture for Kharif cultivation, agricultural experts cautioned that prolonged waterlogging may damage soybean and other standing crops in low-lying fields.

Farmers in several districts welcomed the rains but expressed concern over excessive accumulation of water if heavy showers continue over the coming days.

Heavy Rain Alert Continues

The IMD has forecast another four days of widespread rainfall across Madhya Pradesh and warned that several districts could receive 4 to 8 inches of rain within 24 hours.

An Orange Alert for extremely heavy rainfall has been issued for Sheopur, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Sagar and Tikamgarh.

Heavy rainfall is also expected in Gwalior, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Niwari, Chhatarpur, Damoh, Katni, Jabalpur, Narsinghpur, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Vidisha, Sehore, Rajgarh, Agar Malwa, Ujjain, Indore, Dhar, Jhabua, Neemuch and Mandsaur.

Meanwhile, light to moderate rainfall is likely to continue in districts including Bhopal, Rewa, Satna, Sidhi, Singrauli, Balaghat, Seoni, Chhindwara, Khandwa, Khargone, Harda, Betul and Shahdol.

Authorities have advised residents to avoid crossing flooded roads and streams, remain alert during thunderstorms and lightning, and follow weather advisories as the active monsoon spell continues across the state.