Jamshedpur: The monsoon has now fully covered Jharkhand, bringing widespread rainfall across the state. In the past 24 hours, several districts, including Ranchi and Jamshedpur, have experienced intense downpours. Jamshedpur recorded a staggering 247.2 mm of rainfall—the highest single-day rainfall recorded so far this season—setting a new local record.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for multiple districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rain beginning June 19 and continuing through June 21. The visibility in affected areas has also been reduced to as low as 50 meters in some places due to intense rainfall.
Seraikela followed closely with 237 mm, while the state capital Ranchi received over 150 mm of rain.
The downpour, which began late Tuesday evening, has continued relentlessly, plunging temperatures to below 25°C, an uncommon dip for mid-June. Streets in many localities remain waterlogged, while movement across the city has slowed down due to reduced visibility and slippery roads.
According to the Meteorological Centre, Ranchi, the southwest monsoon has now advanced further and covered the entire state of Jharkhand along with remaining parts of Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and significant areas in Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and East Uttar Pradesh.
The Northern Limit of Monsoon (NLM) currently passes through Barmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Gwalior, Khajuraho, Sonbhadra, Gaya, and 30.5°N/82.5°E.
A well-marked low-pressure area persists over Gangetic West Bengal and its adjoining regions and is expected to drift slowly northwestward across Jharkhand over the next 24 hours, intensifying rainfall activity even further. June 20: Very heavy rainfall is expected in North-Western Jharkhand, while North-Central and North-Eastern regions may witness heavy showers along with thunderstorm activity. June 21: Heavy rainfall is forecast over North-Western and North-Eastern districts, accompanied by isolated thunderstorms and lightning.
The relentless rainfall over the last 48 hours has caused the Subernarekha and Kharkai rivers to swell dangerously, triggering flood alerts in low-lying areas of East Singhbhum district.
As of June 19: Subarnarekha River (Mango Bridge Point): Danger Level: 121.50 metres, Current Level: 121.30 metres, Kharkai River (Adityapur Bridge Point): Danger Level: 129.00 metres and Current Level: 128.78 metres.
With both rivers just centimetres away from their danger levels, the administration has intensified its vigil. Localities including Bagbera, Mango, Sankosai, Kadma, Sonari, and Adityapur are considered most at risk due to their proximity to riverbanks.
In anticipation of potential flooding, the East Singhbhum district administration has mobilized emergency resources: 24×7 control rooms have been activated and are continuously monitoring the situation. Municipal bodies and block-level officials have been instructed to remain on standby. NDRF and disaster response teams are on alert with boats, rescue kits, and essential supplies. Designated shelters have been readied for evacuation, should the situation demand.
Citizens have been urged to: Avoid venturing near riverbanks or waterlogged zones. Relocate to safer, higher areas if water levels rise.Keep emergency kits, documents, and medications ready. Follow official updates and avoid spreading rumours.
A senior district official stated, “We are fully prepared to respond to any emergency. The safety of citizens is our top priority. We urge residents, especially those in riverbank areas, to stay alert and follow instructions issued by the administration.”
With the low-pressure system still active and monsoon currents gaining strength, the next 24 to 36 hours are expected to be particularly critical. The district administration has assured that all departments are working in close coordination and are ready to act immediately if water levels breach safe thresholds.
A red alert has been specifically issued for the Kolhan region for tomorrow, Friday, June 20. The IMD has advised residents and authorities to stay alert and prepare for significant weather-related disruptions due to the continued rainfall.
