Assam floods kill at least 10, injure 4 lakh; Floods in Bangalore; Water war

India Weather News 18 May Update: Scientists and environmentalists have been warning of extreme weather conditions due to the climate crisis and the current situation across India seems to be testifying to that. Another spell of heatwave has been observed in the Gangetic plains, but Assam is witnessing another year of floods and landslides. In Jammu and Kashmir, forest fires are raging while incessant rains have inundated several areas of Karnataka. IPCC reports have warned the world about the long-term effects of severe heatwaves, which will directly affect the agricultural sector and the health of the human population. As IMD issues warnings for regions across India, here are the top weather updates you need to know:

1: Karnataka has been receiving heavy rains since last night. IMD has issued an ‘Orange Alert’ in the state capital Bangalore. It will rain incessantly in Garden City for the next 72 hours. Metro service has been disrupted due to rain. The latest report says at least two people have been killed in rain-related incidents in Bangalore. Meteorologists say the rains were caused by active southwest monsoon winds in the region. The rains have uprooted several trees and flooded the underpass.

2: This is another year and another flood story for Assam. More than four lakh people have been directly affected by the floods. About ten people have died so far. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has promised all possible help to the state government. Meanwhile, the Indian Army has launched a massive rescue and relief operation in Assam. Cachar is the worst-hit of the 26 flood-hit districts.

3: In Uttarakhand, during the ongoing ‘Chardham Jatra’ in the crowd of devotees at the holy temple of Kedarnath, there is a serious weather update. Rudraprayag district administration has issued ‘Yellow Alert’ for the journey. The IMD has said that in the next few days, heavy rains and thunderstorms are expected in areas like Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Pithoragarh.

4: In Jammu and Kashmir, an incident of forest fire has been reported in the Trikuta hills, which is located in the temple of Goddess Vaishno. The Katra-based Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has decided to stop the journey and battery-cart service on the new track. Fans will use the old way for now.

5: In the national capital Delhi, when the temperature has dropped to a certain level, there are other problems that are plaguing the city. The current state of the water level in the Jamuna indicates that Delhi may be facing an acute water shortage. Delhi Water Minister Satyendra Jain has alleged that neighboring Haryana is cutting off water supply, causing the river to dry up in the national capital.