The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a flash‑flood warning for 19 districts in Jharkhand following widespread heavy rainfall triggered by a depression over Gangetic West Bengal. The warning remains valid until 5.30 pm on Wednesday, 16 July, covering Gumla, Simdega, Lohardaga, Latehar, Khunti, West and East Singhbhum, Saraikela‑Kharsawan, Ramgarh, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Garhwa, Palamu, Koderma, Giridih, Jamtara, Deoghar, Dumka and Ranchi.
IMD Deputy Director Abhishek Anand of the Ranchi Met Centre explained that the depression, now centred over Jharkhand as of early Tuesday, is expected to move northwest into south Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh within 24 hours. As a result, heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast across the state until 17 July under an active monsoon trough.
An 'orange' alert, indicating very heavy rain, is in force from 0830 hrs on Tuesday until the same time on Wednesday for Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra, Latehar, Koderma and Hazaribagh. A further extension of the orange alert applies to Palamu, Chatra, Hazaribagh, Koderma and Giridih between 0830 hrs on Wednesday and 0830 hrs on Thursday.
A 'yellow' warning, signifying heavy rain, is active until 0830 hrs on Wednesday for ten districts, including Ranchi.
Since 1 June, Jharkhand has recorded a 61–62 per cent surplus in rainfall, receiving between 510 and 528 mm against a normal of approximately 317–326 mm.
Local administrations in East and West Singhbhum have shut schools for Tuesday and advised the public to avoid riverbanks as water levels have risen significantly.
The persistent rain has disrupted agriculture; Birsa Agricultural University reports delays in paddy transplantation and damage to vegetable seedbeds, with some areas recording average rainfall of 483 mm compared to a normal of 286 mm.
Meanwhile, Kolkata’s Regional Meteorological Centre notes the depression has moved west‑north‑west from West Bengal into Jharkhand, suggesting a gradual reduction in rainfall over Kolkata from Tuesday, though western districts of Jharkhand will continue to face heavy showers.
The IMD warns that the depression and aligned monsoon trough may trigger isolated spells of extremely heavy rainfall in certain districts through 17 July. Residents are urged to monitor official advisories and local alerts.
