The India Meteorological Department (IMD) incorporates a color-coded alert system which reflects the severity of weather patterns, with Red Alert indicating “extreme heavy rainfall ( 204.5 mm of rain in 24 hours) which requires immediate action to protect lives and property. As of August 18-19, 2025, several areas across India have received Red or high alerts. Certain properties in Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and neighboring coastal districts have received Red Alert, which indicates heavy rain caused flooding in integral transport hubs and waterlogged areas. In Pune, the ghat areas of Tamhini and Koyna have experienced life threatening down pours and resulting landslides and potential dam overflow. Parts of Andhra Pradesh have not been spared with ten north coastal districts including Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Guntur under Red Alert due to severe rainfall and squally winds.
2. Ground Realities: Impact and Response
The floods are being felt everywhere – from large populated cities to hillside ghat areas. In Mumbai, rain-induced flooding has wreaked havoc on travel: major delays on trains, water-covered roads surrounding Andheri and Bandra, and many schools closed as rain is also expected to increase . In the hilly areas of Pune, continued rain flooded the ghat area leading to landslide and dam warnings . The Times of India. In Andhra Pradesh, the low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal could be a depression, leading to heavy rains, and consequent damage to infrastructure as well as advice to fishermen to stay on land .
3. Safety First: Advice amid the Deluge
With Red Alerts, acting swiftly and purposefully is essential. Residents in affected areas should:
Shelter at home, and do not travel unless necessary
Read advisories—IMD bulletins are also important for the most recent information on rainfall and wind speeds.
Have confidence in local actions like school closures (such as BMC’s), helpline facilities, and emergency responders
The same applies to rural/agricultural areas. In Telangana also- districts like Mulugu and Bhadradri Kothagudem have received around 20 cm of rain, damaging crops and roads heavily. NDRF teams have been assigned the rescue task, and relief centres are opened in affected areas. click here for source
