IMD flags below-normal rainfall in August; heavy rain alerts for Kerala, Assam, Northeast | India News
NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday forecast below-normal rainfall in August across India, at 94 per cent of the long-period average. It also issued weather alerts across several parts of the country, including Kerala, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and other northeastern states, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, flash floods and landslides over the next few days.The latest warnings come as several states continue to grapple with flood and landslide risks during the monsoon season. The IMD said monthly average rainfall over India as a whole is most likely to be below normal in August after the country recorded near-average rainfall in July, raising concerns about crop yields and broader economic activity.“Rainfall in August is likely to be below 94% of the long-period average,” Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director-general of the India Meteorological Department, told a press conference.
August outlook raises concerns for crops and economy
The IMD’s latest forecast of below-normal August rainfall comes after a season marked by intense regional downpours despite broadly average rainfall across the country in July. The weather office’s assessment suggests that while parts of southern and northeastern India may continue to experience heavy rain in the immediate term, rainfall across India as a whole is expected to remain below the long-term average during August.
Kerala under orange alert, schools shut in several districts
In Kerala, the IMD issued an orange alert for 11 districts on Friday, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. An orange alert indicates the likelihood of very heavy rainfall ranging between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm within 24 hours at isolated places.For August 1, orange alerts remain in place for Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod, while yellow alerts have been issued for several southern districts through August 2.Following the warnings, educational institutions in several Kerala districts were declared closed on Friday. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority advised residents in areas vulnerable to landslides, mudslides and flash floods to move to safer locations if directed by authorities. People living near riverbanks, downstream of dams and in houses with weak roofs were also urged to remain vigilant.
Flash flood warning issued for Arunachal Pradesh
In Arunachal Pradesh, the IMD forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning from July 31 and issued a flash flood alert for nine districts, including Tawang, West Kameng, East Kameng, Kurung Kumey, Upper Subansiri, Anjaw, Dibang Valley, Tirap and Changlang.Very heavy rainfall of 12 cm to 20 cm in 24 hours is expected at isolated places in Papum Pare district through Saturday, while Lower Subansiri is likely to receive heavy rainfall of 6 cm to 11 cm. The weather office warned that heavy rain could trigger surface runoff and inundation in saturated and low-lying areas and advised district administrations to remain on high alert.The ongoing spell of floods and landslides has already claimed seven lives and affected 1,53,553 people across Arunachal Pradesh. The monsoon has affected 373 circles and 668 villages in 27 districts so far.
Assam and northeast brace for another spell of heavy rain
A fresh spell of heavy to very heavy rainfall has also been forecast across Assam and several northeastern states over the next three to four days. An orange alert has been issued for Tinsukia district in Assam, while similar alerts are in place for Mon, Mokokchung and Wokha districts of Nagaland.
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The IMD said widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is likely between July 30 and August 1 across parts of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. Runoff from districts in Arunachal Pradesh, including East Siang, Lohit, Namsai, Longding, Papumpare, Lower Subansiri and Lower Dibang Valley, could affect Tinsukia, Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts in Assam.The Assam State Disaster Management Authority warned that the fresh spell of rain could worsen flooding, trigger urban waterlogging and flash floods, and cause localised landslides, particularly in hilly and vulnerable areas. District administrations have been instructed to closely monitor the situation and residents have been urged to avoid non-essential travel during periods of intense rainfall.
![The MEA criticized Pakistan’s harsh crackdown on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. (PTI images) NEW DELHI: India on Friday slammed Pakistan of making an open admission of state-sponsored terrorism after a senior aide to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged that Islamabad had trained and armed Mujahideen who have now turned against the Pakistani state. The ministry of external affairs (MEA) also condemned Pakistan’s crackdown on anti-government protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), alleging that more than 40 civilians had been killed.Addressing the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Pakistan’s handling of the protests had exposed its treatment of civilians in the region.”As you and all of us have witnessed, the Pakistani establishment continues to unleash ruthless force against peaceful civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. This crackdown has resulted in the tragic death of over 40 innocent people, and many more have been seriously injured. It’s the establishment’s absolute disdain for the innocent people of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir that was laid bare when their Defence Minister branded the protesting civilians as enemies,” Jaiswal said.Referring to recent remarks by Pakistan Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Jaiswal said the statement amounted to a public acknowledgement that Pakistan had trained, funded and armed militants who were later sent into India.”The Special Assistant of the Prime Minister [of Pakistan] on Political Affairs has openly admitted that the very Mujahideen that the Pakistani establishment trained, funded, armed, and sent to India have turned their guns inwards, weaponising themselves against the state,” Jaiswal said.The remarks came after Sanaullah, in an interview with Geo News, said: “are the same people we once trained as Mujahideen. We sent them to fight, and today they are hanging around our necks.”India has long accused Pakistan of sponsoring cross-border terrorism, an allegation Islamabad has consistently denied.Jaiswal also criticised the recently held elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, calling them a rejection of Pakistan’s establishment.”The so-called elections stand as a humiliating rejection of the Pakistan establishment. Facing a violent regime, the people have requested international organisations for an independent investigation into the unlawful killings. We urged that the international community should scrutinise Pakistan’s actions and hold it accountable for its atrocities,” Jaiswal said.According to ANI, widespread protests have erupted across PoJK over allegations of electoral rigging, political interference and suppression of democratic rights.The United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) has appealed to the United Nations and the international community to intervene over what it described as a worsening human rights situation in the region.In a statement posted on X, the organisation urged international institutions, governments and human rights organisations to take immediate steps to protect civilians, ensure accountability and uphold international human rights law.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe group specifically appealed to the United Nations, the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Russia and China, as well as international human rights organisations and global media, to respond to the reported escalation of violence in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.India has consistently maintained that Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and has repeatedly raised concerns over Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism and its treatment of civilians in the region.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at The Times of India, covering breaking news, politics, defence, and major legal and policy developments across India and the world. His reporting focuses on elections, national security, and institutional affairs, tracking the decisions and conflicts that shape public life.
He specialises in sharp explainers and in-depth feature stories that go beyond headlines to decode political shifts, defence strategy, geopolitical flashpoints, and changing public sentiment. His work combines speed, clarity, and depth for a fast-moving digital audience.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndian Navy Receives Indigenous Diving Support Vessel Nipun, Strengthens Deep-Sea Rescue CapabilityCabinet Approves ₹84,084 Crore Samudra Manthan Scheme To Boost Offshore Oil And Gas ExplorationMeta India Head Named In FIR As Posts Criticising PM Modi Surface; Social Accounts Under Scanner’My Father Was Almost Lynched’: Injured Delhi Cop’s Daughter Emotional Appeal After Violence | Watch’Cracks Appeared Hours Before Collapse’ Rescue Teams Search For Survivors In Maharashtra’s BhiwandiCJP’s Saurav Das Says Abusive Remarks Deserve Defamation Cases, Not Criminal Prosecution | WatchRajya Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Law As PM Modi Vows Zero Tolerance Against Exam MafiasPM Modi Releases New Selfie Video On Instagram As Rajya Sabha Clears Anti-Paper Leak BillAfter ‘Gau-Mutra Expert’ Remark, Priyanka Gandhi Gets Scathing Open Letter From 200+ Academicians‘Cut Shudra’s Tongue If…’: Kharge Quotes ‘Translated Manusmriti’ In RS; Sudhanshu, Nadda Hit Back123PhotostoriesWho is Vinnie Takair? Danish singer spotted with Aryan Khan in London sparks dating rumoursOptical Illusion personality test: What you feel most drawn to first says a lot about who you really are10 baby names inspired by Greek mythology7 science-backed upgrades to improve your brain health and memoryFriendship Day Cards 2026: Best friendship day greeting card images to share with your friends7 traditional Kashmiri breads and what makes them so specialInside Archana Puran Singh’s 75-year-old Dehradun home: A lush garden, vintage interiors and a massive living roomThese 8 ancient Indian foods were considered medicine before modern nutrition existedThinking of taking Priorin for hair loss? Know its benefits, ingredients, and natural alternativesAnanya Panday’s peacock blue Gauri & Nainika gown is the luxe fashion moment everyone will remember123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingSaurav DasBengal JeM Terrorist ArrestedJaisalmer Military Station AccidentCM VijayDehradun Teacher SuicideAnkit Sharma Murder CaseAam Aadmi PartyShraddha Walkar Murder CaseMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up](https://vknewstoday.in/wp-content/uploads/1785509082_photo.jpg "The MEA criticized Pakistan’s harsh crackdown on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. (PTI images) NEW DELHI: India on Friday slammed Pakistan of making an open admission of state-sponsored terrorism after a senior aide to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged that Islamabad had trained and armed Mujahideen who have now turned against the Pakistani state. The ministry of external affairs (MEA) also condemned Pakistan’s crackdown on anti-government protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), alleging that more than 40 civilians had been killed.Addressing the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Pakistan’s handling of the protests had exposed its treatment of civilians in the region.”As you and all of us have witnessed, the Pakistani establishment continues to unleash ruthless force against peaceful civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. This crackdown has resulted in the tragic death of over 40 innocent people, and many more have been seriously injured. It’s the establishment’s absolute disdain for the innocent people of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir that was laid bare when their Defence Minister branded the protesting civilians as enemies,” Jaiswal said.Referring to recent remarks by Pakistan Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Jaiswal said the statement amounted to a public acknowledgement that Pakistan had trained, funded and armed militants who were later sent into India.”The Special Assistant of the Prime Minister [of Pakistan] on Political Affairs has openly admitted that the very Mujahideen that the Pakistani establishment trained, funded, armed, and sent to India have turned their guns inwards, weaponising themselves against the state,” Jaiswal said.The remarks came after Sanaullah, in an interview with Geo News, said: “are the same people we once trained as Mujahideen. We sent them to fight, and today they are hanging around our necks.”India has long accused Pakistan of sponsoring cross-border terrorism, an allegation Islamabad has consistently denied.Jaiswal also criticised the recently held elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, calling them a rejection of Pakistan’s establishment.”The so-called elections stand as a humiliating rejection of the Pakistan establishment. Facing a violent regime, the people have requested international organisations for an independent investigation into the unlawful killings. We urged that the international community should scrutinise Pakistan’s actions and hold it accountable for its atrocities,” Jaiswal said.According to ANI, widespread protests have erupted across PoJK over allegations of electoral rigging, political interference and suppression of democratic rights.The United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) has appealed to the United Nations and the international community to intervene over what it described as a worsening human rights situation in the region.In a statement posted on X, the organisation urged international institutions, governments and human rights organisations to take immediate steps to protect civilians, ensure accountability and uphold international human rights law.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe group specifically appealed to the United Nations, the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Russia and China, as well as international human rights organisations and global media, to respond to the reported escalation of violence in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.India has consistently maintained that Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and has repeatedly raised concerns over Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism and its treatment of civilians in the region.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at The Times of India, covering breaking news, politics, defence, and major legal and policy developments across India and the world. His reporting focuses on elections, national security, and institutional affairs, tracking the decisions and conflicts that shape public life.
He specialises in sharp explainers and in-depth feature stories that go beyond headlines to decode political shifts, defence strategy, geopolitical flashpoints, and changing public sentiment. His work combines speed, clarity, and depth for a fast-moving digital audience.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndian Navy Receives Indigenous Diving Support Vessel Nipun, Strengthens Deep-Sea Rescue CapabilityCabinet Approves ₹84,084 Crore Samudra Manthan Scheme To Boost Offshore Oil And Gas ExplorationMeta India Head Named In FIR As Posts Criticising PM Modi Surface; Social Accounts Under Scanner’My Father Was Almost Lynched’: Injured Delhi Cop’s Daughter Emotional Appeal After Violence | Watch’Cracks Appeared Hours Before Collapse’ Rescue Teams Search For Survivors In Maharashtra’s BhiwandiCJP’s Saurav Das Says Abusive Remarks Deserve Defamation Cases, Not Criminal Prosecution | WatchRajya Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Law As PM Modi Vows Zero Tolerance Against Exam MafiasPM Modi Releases New Selfie Video On Instagram As Rajya Sabha Clears Anti-Paper Leak BillAfter ‘Gau-Mutra Expert’ Remark, Priyanka Gandhi Gets Scathing Open Letter From 200+ Academicians‘Cut Shudra’s Tongue If…’: Kharge Quotes ‘Translated Manusmriti’ In RS; Sudhanshu, Nadda Hit Back123PhotostoriesWho is Vinnie Takair? Danish singer spotted with Aryan Khan in London sparks dating rumoursOptical Illusion personality test: What you feel most drawn to first says a lot about who you really are10 baby names inspired by Greek mythology7 science-backed upgrades to improve your brain health and memoryFriendship Day Cards 2026: Best friendship day greeting card images to share with your friends7 traditional Kashmiri breads and what makes them so specialInside Archana Puran Singh’s 75-year-old Dehradun home: A lush garden, vintage interiors and a massive living roomThese 8 ancient Indian foods were considered medicine before modern nutrition existedThinking of taking Priorin for hair loss? Know its benefits, ingredients, and natural alternativesAnanya Panday’s peacock blue Gauri & Nainika gown is the luxe fashion moment everyone will remember123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingSaurav DasBengal JeM Terrorist ArrestedJaisalmer Military Station AccidentCM VijayDehradun Teacher SuicideAnkit Sharma Murder CaseAam Aadmi PartyShraddha Walkar Murder CaseMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up")
