Extreme Rainfall Alert: Latest Updates, Impact, and Safety Measures

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and several global weather agencies have issued an extreme rainfall alert for different regions across Asia and Australia, signaling the severity of the ongoing monsoon and climate-driven weather changes. From Maharashtra and Gujarat in India to Karachi in Pakistan and Sydney in Australia, heavy downpours have disrupted lives, damaged infrastructure, and triggered widespread flooding.

This article provides an in-depth look at the latest alerts, regional impacts, climate context, and safety measures that people must follow during such extreme weather events.

India Faces Widespread Red Alerts

India is currently witnessing one of the heaviest monsoon spells of recent years.

• Maharashtra: Pune’s ghats recorded a staggering 575 mm of rainfall in 24 hours at Tamhini and 418 mm in Lonavla, flooding roads and disrupting schools, transport, and power supply. More than 4,000 people were evacuated, and relief camps have been set up in flood-hit districts.

• Mumbai: The financial capital has received over 1,000 mm of rainfall in August alone, nearly double its monthly average. Trains and flights faced delays, and road traffic remained paralyzed for hours.

• Gujarat (Saurashtra region): Mendarda recorded 331 mm of rain in 12 hours, leading to flash floods. Several villages were cut off, hundreds were relocated, and incidents at sea left fishermen stranded.

• Karnataka: Overflowing rivers in the Krishna basin have forced the evacuation of hundreds of families. Schools remain closed in multiple districts, and rescue teams are on high alert.

The IMD has kept Konkan, Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat under a red alert while issuing orange/yellow alerts for surrounding regions.

Pakistan: Karachi Records Historic Rainfall

Neighboring Pakistan has also been severely impacted. Karachi witnessed its heaviest rainfall since 1979, with 178 mm in northeast Karachi recorded in just 24 hours. The deluge caused widespread flooding, building collapses, and power outages, leading to the loss of at least seven lives.

Across Pakistan, the death toll from monsoon-related disasters has risen to over 370, highlighting the scale of devastation.

Australia: Sydney’s Wettest Day of 2025

Thousands of kilometers away, Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) is battling its own rain emergency. Sydney recorded its wettest day of 2025 with 82 mm in just 24 hours, surpassing its average August rainfall. Emergency services carried out multiple rescues, and authorities have issued flood warnings for more than fifteen rivers.

Experts warn that triple-digit rainfall totals could continue over the coming days, raising concerns of flash floods and landslides.

Why Extreme Rainfall Events Are Increasing

Meteorologists and climate scientists have long warned about the impact of climate change on global weather patterns. Extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent and intense due to:

1. Rising Sea Surface Temperatures—Warmer oceans fuel stronger monsoon systems.

2. Urbanization—Unplanned growth reduces drainage capacity, worsening flooding.

3. Shifting Monsoon Patterns—The Indian subcontinent is seeing erratic rainfall with longer dry spells followed by short bursts of extreme rainfall.

4. Atmospheric Moisture—Warmer air holds more moisture, releasing it as intense downpours.

According to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), South Asia will face increased risks of extreme rainfall and flooding in the coming decades.

Safety Measures During Extreme Rainfall Alerts

For individuals living in flood-prone areas, preparedness can save lives. Authorities recommend the following measures:

• Stay Updated: Follow IMD and local weather bulletins for real-time alerts.

• Avoid Flooded Areas: Do not walk or drive through waterlogged roads.

• Emergency Kit: Keep essentials like drinking water, dry food, a torch, batteries, and medicines handy.

• Secure Your Home: Switch off electricity in case of waterlogging, and move valuables to higher shelves.

• Evacuation Readiness: Be ready to move to relief camps when instructed by officials.

Government and Relief Efforts

• India: NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) teams have been deployed in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka. State governments have opened temporary shelters for evacuees.

• Pakistan: Emergency services are carrying out rescue missions in Karachi and Sindh province.

• Australia: SES (State Emergency Service) continues to monitor rivers and rescue stranded residents.

Governments are urging citizens to take weather alerts seriously to avoid preventable tragedies.

Conclusion

The current extreme rainfall alert across India, Pakistan, and Australia underlines the growing vulnerability of communities worldwide to climate-induced disasters. With lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure at risk, preparedness, timely action, and climate adaptation are more crucial than ever.