States told to take precautionary steps to mitigate impact of potential flood

GIVEN the forecast for an above-normal monsoon this year, the Centre will issue an advisory to state governments on taking precautionary measures to mitigate the impact of floods.

- JITENDRA CHOUBEY @ New Delhi

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted the early onset of an above-normal southwest monsoon (SWM) for 2025. The SWM is responsible for 75% of the country's total rainfall, but it also brings the risk of disasters.

India is among the countries most affected by floods, accounting for 20% of the world's flood-related deaths and causing significant loss of life and property.