IMD issues yellow alert for 25 Bihar districts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for 25 districts in Bihar as monsoon activity intensifies. Strong thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rainfall with winds up to 40 kmph are expected, particularly in North Bihar, eastern Bihar and the Seemanchal region, The Hans India reports.

Districts under alert include West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Supaul, Saharsa, Madhepura, Araria, Kishanganj, Purnea, Katihar and Khagaria, with rain also forecast for Kaimur, Munger, Bhagalpur, Banka and Jamui. The Times of India adds that the IMD has forecast heavy rain in several other states as well, including Himachal Pradesh, east Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, and Chhattisgarh, with a yellow alert for Himachal Pradesh from Wednesday to Friday.

Authorities have advised people to avoid open areas during thunderstorms. Bihar has recorded 42 per cent less rainfall than normal this season, with only about 288 mm against the expected 494.8 mm, raising concerns about agriculture.