Weather Update July 5: IMD Issues Orange Alert for 10+ States Amid Rising Death Toll and Flood Risks

The India Meteorological Department has sounded multiple orange and red alerts across states including Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and West Bengal as extreme rainfall continues to batter large swathes of the country.

New Delhi [India], July 5 – In a severe weather update, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange alerts for over 10 states as torrential rains continue to lash various regions, triggering floods, cloudbursts, and landslides. As of July 4, 43 people have died and 37 remain missing in Himachal Pradesh alone, with rivers flowing above danger levels and major disruptions reported across Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Maharashtra.

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As heavy monsoon rains continue to wreak havoc across India, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for July 5 in multiple states, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Goa, West Bengal, and coastal Karnataka.

This sweeping alert comes in the wake of deadly rain-related incidents in northern India. According to PTI, Himachal Pradesh has reported 43 fatalities and 37 missing persons over the past two weeks due to a series of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides, which have brought daily life to a near standstill.

The IMD has forecast “extremely heavy rainfall (≥21 cm)” at isolated locations in Himachal Pradesh on July 6, warning of further deterioration in ground conditions. Rivers in the region are currently flowing above the danger mark, exacerbating flood risks.

Meanwhile, Odisha has been battling widespread waterlogging, and several districts in Madhya Pradesh were placed on red alert for July 4 due to relentless rainfall. In its latest advisory, the IMD added that “extremely heavy rainfall (≥21 cm) is very likely at isolated places over the Ghat areas of Madhya Maharashtra” on July 6 and 7.

In a bulletin dated July 4, the IMD also provided a comprehensive regional forecast:

• Isolated heavy rainfall is expected over East Uttar Pradesh and West Rajasthan on July 5 and between July 8–10.
• Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir are likely to receive significant rainfall between July 5–9, with very heavy rainfall predicted over Jammu on July 6.
• Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are forecasted to witness heavy rainfall from July 5–8, while East Rajasthan will be affected until July 6, and again on July 9 and 10.

Adding to the concern, IMD scientist Naresh Kumar told ANI that two significant low-pressure circulations have developed — one over Madhya Pradesh and another over northern Odisha. These systems are enhancing monsoon activity and increasing the likelihood of widespread heavy downpours.

Meanwhile, isolated rainfall is expected in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka on July 5. In response, the IMD has issued fisherman warnings, strongly advising against venturing into the Arabian Sea or Bay of Bengal due to rough sea conditions and the risk of squalls.

Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to stay indoors, avoid waterlogged or low-lying areas, and follow real-time updates through official IMD channels. Disaster management teams and emergency services have been placed on high alert in vulnerable regions.

As the monsoon intensifies, state governments are working closely with the IMD to ensure timely evacuation, relief distribution, and infrastructure protection to mitigate further loss of life and property.