Rajasthan [India], August 1 (HBTV): Rajasthan has recorded its wettest July in nearly seven decades, with cumulative rainfall reaching 285 mm across the state, according to the Meteorological Centre in Jaipur.
This represents a 77 per cent surplus compared to the state's long-period average (LPA) of 161.4 mm for July. The last time Rajasthan witnessed such high rainfall in the month of July was in 1956, when the state recorded 308 mm—the highest ever for that month. This year's figure comes close to breaking that 69-year-old record.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Jaipur is currently experiencing a temperature of 25.2°C with 95 per cent humidity and southwesterly winds at 5.6 km/h.
The IMD has issued multiple alerts, with heavy to very heavy rainfall continuing to affect several regions. Very heavy rainfall alerts have been issued for Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Nagaur, Jaipur, Dausa, and Sikar. Heavy rainfall alerts are in place for Jodhpur, Pali, Ajmer, Bhilwara, Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpur, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, Tonk, Bundi, and Kota.
Earlier, on July 19, the Ana Sagar lake in Ajmer overflowed following incessant rains, resulting in waterlogging and the closure of the road connecting Bajrang Garh to the market. Locals used sandbags in an effort to contain the flow of water.
Municipal Corporation Chief Engineer Vinod Manohar explained that the waterlogging occurred as lake water entered through escape channels that had been opened by nearly 30 inches.
Heavy rains also affected the government-run Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in Ajmer on July 19, with rainwater entering the premises due to flooding in the surrounding areas.
In response, Ajmer Municipal Corporation Health Officer Prithviraj Singh urged the public to remain indoors and avoid waterlogged areas.
He said, 'Today's red alert has been announced by the weather department. All the common people are asked to remain in their homes. Where there is excessive water, the general public is aware of all the affected areas; therefore, they should avoid going out there and pay special attention to those places.'
(ANI)