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Getting through the monsoon season in India — preparing for rainy season flooding, moisture and mold management, and even health care

By ARAZIA India Desk9 min read

Heavy rain during monsoon season in India — cars and people passing through rain-soaked streets — McKay Savage from London, UK (CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons)

Delhi NCR in May is a stifling season with heat waves exceeding 40 degrees Celsius and loo winds. Then, one day in late June, when the sky lowers and the first heavy rain falls, the entire city breathes a sigh of relief. indianMonsoon seasonThis has started. The problem is that this welcome rain does not last for a few weeks like the rainy season in Korea.More than three months until SeptemberThe point is that it continues.

Monsoon is both a blessing and a test. It cools the heat and turns the city green, but at the same time, it poses three challenges: flooding of roads, paralysis of traffic, moisture and mold in every corner of the house, and mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever. In actual experience, the difference between a house that enjoys the monsoon well and a house that does not is mostly‘What did you prepare before the monsoon comes?’It diverges from .

This article is based on several years of experience experiencing monsoons in Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida.Understanding the monsoon schedule → Preparing for flooding, traffic, and power outages → Managing moisture and mold → Managing your health → Preparations and information channelsWe've put together a list of ways to survive the rainy season in order. If you are approaching the first monsoon, use this as a checklist.

01Understanding the Indian monsoon — on a different scale from the Korean monsoon

The Indian monsoon wets the entire subcontinent from June to September.Southwest MonsoonIt refers to the rainy season. Every year, it lands on the southern Kerala coast in early June and then travels north for about a month, reaching Delhi NCR for approx.Late June - early JulyIt will reach and retire around the end of September. Since there is a difference of 1-2 weeks every year, it is recommended to check the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast for the exact schedule of the year. The monsoon is a season that completely changes the rhythm of life in India, as most of Delhi's annual rainfall falls on these three or four months.

If you think of the rainy season in Korea, you will be surprised at the scale.

period— While the Korean rainy season usually lasts for about a month, the Indian monsoon ismore than three monthsIt continues.
form of rain— It's short and strong rather than drizzling all day long.heavy rain squallIt pours down several times a day, and the humid heat continues in between.
Feel it— The temperature is lower than during a heat wave, but the humidity rises significantly, and many people say that the humid 33 degrees in July is more difficult than the dry 40 degrees in May.

period	Delhi NCR Experience
Early to mid-June	Just before the monsoon — the time when heat waves and dust winds peak and humidity gradually rises.
Late June - early July	Monsoon arrives — Temperatures drop with the first heavy rain, and perceived humidity rises sharply.
July~August	Peak monsoon — A period of repeated short, heavy rains and frequent flooding and power outages.
September	Monsoon retreat — Rains subside, but mosquito-borne disease risk peaks
october	End of monsoon — air becomes drier, ushering in a season of worsening air quality

Living locally, there is definitely a sense of freedom on the first rainy day of the monsoon. However, that sense of liberation comes with three challenges: flooding, moisture, and mosquitoes, so we will summarize the preparation methods one by one below.

Rainy season dark clouds in India's monsoon season — Monsoon clouds rolling in over the coast of Panjim, Goa. — The sky of Panjim, Goa, filled with monsoon clouds. The southwest monsoon begins in the southwestern coasts of Kerala and Goa and moves north to Delhi NCR over about a month. · Frederick Noronha fredericknoronha1@gmail.com (CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons)

02Preparing for flooding during the rainy season — check three things: roads, vehicles, and houses

The first problem felt in Delhi NCR during the monsoon season isWaterloggingno see. After a single heavy rain, low-lying roads and underpasses quickly fill with water. Gurgaon in particular is famous for major roads being flooded whenever heavy rain exceeds drainage capacity. In actual experience, there are days when a distance that would normally take 20 minutes takes two to three hours, so it is best to adjust your schedule on days when heavy rain is forecast.

Movement/vehicle rules

On days when there is a heavy rain warning, reduce unnecessary travel and, if possible, coordinate your commuting times with your company.
In puddles of unknown depth or flooded underpasses,Never enter by vehicle. If the engine shuts off while driving, do not restart the vehicle and call for a tow to prevent engine damage.
Immediately after heavy rain, the number of Uber and Ola calls increases, causing waiting times and fares to increase rapidly, so allow plenty of time.
If you are hiring a driver, it is better to leave it to the driver to detour through areas prone to flooding. Local drivers know very well which underpass is locked first.

Home Inspection — Get It Done in May Before the Monsoon Arrives

Remove fallen leaves and trash from balcony and rooftop drains in advance to prevent clogging.
Check the condition of the silicone finish on the window frame gaps and air conditioner pipe holes, and ask the landlord for repairs if necessary.
Check the flooding history of the basement and first floor parking lots, and place luggage stored in the basement warehouse on top in advance.
If you live on a lower floor, it is best to ask your RWA (Resident Representative Organization) or neighbors about the complex's flooding history.

And during the monsoon, heavy rain and strong windsPower outages are becoming more frequent.. Inverter and power backup inspection tipsGuide to power outages and electricity assessments in IndiaWe covered this in detail, so be sure to check your battery status before monsoon.

Flooded roads during rainy season in India — Streets and vehicles flooded with monsoon rains — A street in India after heavy monsoon rain. Low-lying roads and underpasses can be flooded quickly even for a short period of time, so it is safe to minimize travel on days of heavy rain. · McKay Savage from London, UK (CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons)

03Moisture and mold management — household routines to survive the three-month rainy season

During the three months of the monsoon, the humidity in the house can be considered to remain at the level of Korea's midsummer rainy season. If you are careless, mold will grow on the leather bag in your closet, the edges of the wallpaper will turn dark, and your laundry will start to smell sour. Fortunately, it’s not difficult to manage as long as you stick to a routine.

Maintaining humidity — Air conditioner dry mode is default

Korean food in IndiaDehumidifieris not common. Although it is available in online malls, there are few options, so most familiesAir conditioner Dry (dehumidification) modeis used as a basis.
In closets and drawersSilica gel/hygroscopic agentKeep plenty of . You can easily get it at your local supermarket or online.
Ventilation should be concentrated during sunny periods when the rain has stopped. If you leave the window open while it is raining, moisture will come in.

Preemptive management starting from areas where mold easily occurs

leather(Bag, shoes, belt) — Store in a ventilated place with a moisture absorbent, and periodically remove and dry long-term stored items.
Electronic devices such as cameras and lenses— It is safe to store with silica gel in an airtight container.
Back wall of closet, back of mattress/sofa— Raise furniture slightly away from the wall to allow air circulation.
wash— This is the season when natural drying becomes difficult, so we recommend turning on the dehydration power and using a dryer if possible.

Seepage — Records Are Your Negotiating Card

Representative defects that recur every monsoon in Indian housesWall moisture/leakage (Seepage)no see. Buildings with weak exterior wall waterproofing will see stains spread and paint swelling inside the walls starting mid-monsoon. Leave a photo and date as soon as you find it.Request compensation from the landlord through a recordable channel such as WhatsAppdo. It is common for full-scale waterproofing and repainting work to be done after the monsoon ends, and if you are looking for a new home, visiting right after the monsoon is the best time to see any defects.

04Monsoon Health Care - Just be careful of two things - mosquitoes and water - you're halfway to success

The key to managing your health during the monsoon season is summarized in two points.mosquitoandwaterno see. This is because water puddles that appear here and there become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and when water and sewage are mixed due to heavy rain, the risk of water-borne diseases increases.

disease	Features and prevention points
Dengue fever	The period from mid to late monsoon to immediately after is the dangerous period. vector mosquitoactivities during the daySince they lay their eggs in clean stagnant water, removing stagnant water from flower pot holders, air conditioner drip trays, and balconies is a top priority.
Malaria	Carried by mosquitoes that are mainly active at night. Wear electronic mosquito coils and mosquito nets when going to bed, and check the condition of window screens.
Chikungunya	Like dengue, it is transmitted by daytime mosquitoes and is characterized by high fever and severe joint pain.
waterborne disease(Typhoid fever, hepatitis A, enteritis, etc.)	Risk of water pollution rises during rainy season. Drink only boiled water, bottled water, and RO purified water, and be especially careful with street food and ice.

It is too early to let down our guard just because the monsoon is over.Mosquito-borne diseases are most prevalent in the late monsoon period (approximately September to November) when stagnant water remains everywhere.. Vaccination and mosquito measuresGuide to vaccination and endemic disease preparedness in IndiaHere are the tips for choosing a water purifier and bottled water:Guide to Safe Drinking Water in IndiaI have organized it separately.

If you have children, avoid playing near puddles of water and make it a habit to wash your hands and feet after going out. And if you suddenly develop a high fever during the rainy season, rather than choosing a fever reducer based on your own judgment,Seeking hospital treatment firstThis is the principle. This is because the medicine you can use varies depending on whether you have dengue.

Indian Monsoon Health Care — Rainy Season Daily Life for People Walking in the Rain with Umbrellas — Daily life continues even during the rainy season. However, when going out during the monsoon season, you need to get into the habit of carrying mosquito repellent along with an umbrella. · McKay Savage from London, UK (CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons)

05Monsoon preparations and information channels - There is no need to be afraid if you know the right thing.

Monsoon weather becomes easier as you know the forecast.India Meteorological Department (IMD)Provides city-level forecasts and heavy rain warnings through its official portal (mausam.imd.gov.in) and mobile app. Alerts generally become stronger in the following order: yellow → orange → red.On days when an orange or abnormal warning is issued, flooding and traffic congestion are set as default.I feel comfortable having a schedule. If you live in a society, be sure to check out the RWA notice channel (mainly the WhatsApp group) as notices of flooding, power outages, and water supply within the complex are posted in real time.

Monsoon Preparation Checklist

A sturdy umbrella and a light raincoat — there are many days when just an umbrella is not enough during heavy rainstorms.
Water-resistant shoes — Locally, waterproof sandals instead of leather shoes are the norm during the rainy season.
Waterproof pouch/zip bag — to protect your phone and passport copy
Auxiliary batteries and flashlights – Prepare for frequent power outages
Large quantities of desiccant and silica gel available, over-the-counter medications (fever reducer, antidiarrheal, electrolyte supplement)
Mosquito repellent, electronic mosquito coil, insect screen repair tape

In India, the monsoon is a national concern that affects agriculture and the entire economy, and the progress of the monsoon is in the news headlines every day. Once news of a landing in Kerala is heard, it will take approximately 3 to 4 weeks to reach Delhi - that is the golden time to inspect the house and prepare supplies.

Lastly, don't just look at the monsoon as a 'season of tolerance'. If you live locally, you will see the city becoming green again with the smell of earth on the first rainy day, and drinking Chai and freshly fried Pakora while listening to the sound of rain outside the window are some of the most romantic aspects of monsoon among Indians. If you're prepared, monsoon can be one of the most dramatic and memorable seasons of Indian life.

Indian Monsoon Report — Monsoon observation report documenting the progress of the monsoon season. — In India, the monsoon is a national concern that influences agriculture and the economy, and its progress has long been managed through regular reports. The photo is from the 2001 Indian monsoon status report. · Department of Agriculture. Foreign Agricultural Service. 3/1 (Public domain, Wikimedia Commons)

Useful tips

Monsoon preparations are usually completed in May.

Cleaning drains on balconies and rooftops, checking silicone on window frames, checking inverter batteries, repairing insect screens — repairs requested from the landlord or RWA will be delayed once the monsoon begins. Once the news of the Kerala monsoon landing comes out, it will take approximately 3-4 weeks until it reaches Delhi, the time in between is the golden time.

Use the air conditioner dry mode instead of a dehumidifier.

It is not easy to find a Korean-style dehumidifier in India. The standard moisture management method for local homes is a combination of running the air conditioner on the Dry (dehumidifying) mode as the default and putting plenty of silica gel and desiccant in closets and drawers.

Removing stagnant water is the cheapest way to prevent dengue.

Dengue vector mosquitoes lay their eggs in clean stagnant water such as flower pot holders, air conditioner drips, and balcony corners. You can significantly reduce mosquito sources just by getting into the habit of emptying stagnant water inside and outside your home once a week.

Schedule your day with IMD alert colors

The India Meteorological Department (IMD)'s heavy rain warning generally becomes stronger in the following order: yellow → orange → red. On days when an orange or abnormal warning is issued, the best way to save time and stress is to set flooding and traffic paralysis as the default and consider staying home or changing schedules first.

Sealed storage is the way to go for leather and electronic devices.

Place leather bags and shoes in a ventilated place with a moisture absorbent and take them out periodically to dry. Electronic devices such as cameras and lenses can safely survive the three months of monsoon if stored in airtight containers filled with silica gel.

Common pitfalls and how to solve them

If your vehicle enters a flooded underpass or a puddle of water, the engine will stall and the engine will be damaged.

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Never enter water of unknown depth. If the engine shuts off while driving, do not restart the vehicle and call for a tow. On the day of heavy rain, leave the detour to a local driver who knows the areas prone to flooding, or postpone the trip itself.

In the middle of the monsoon, a wall leak (Seepage) is discovered and a dispute arises with the landlord over responsibility for repairs.

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Take pictures of the condition of the walls at the time of moving in and just before monsoon, and as soon as you find a defect, request repairs from the landlord via WhatsApp with a date. The key to this project is to keep a record of requests even after the monsoon.

Mosquitoes think they only need to be careful at night, so they let down their guard during the day.

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Mosquitoes that transmit dengue and chikungunya are active during the day. During the rainy season, take weekly measures such as applying repellent even when going out during the day and dressing children in long clothes when going to and from school.

When the rain subsides in September, we assume the monsoon is over and immediately stop taking mosquito measures.

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The number of patients with mosquito-borne diseases is highest in the late to immediate post-monsoon period (approximately September to November), when stagnant water remains everywhere. Continue removing stagnant water and using repellent until at least October.

If you keep hanging laundry indoors, the humidity in the house soars and mold spreads.

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Spin on high speed and use a dryer if possible. If drying indoors is inevitable, turn on the dry mode of the air conditioner and provide intensive ventilation during times when the rain has stopped.

Latest updates

Delhi NCR's habitual flooding repeats every monsoon, continuing calls for improved drainage infrastructureAs major roads and underpasses in Delhi-NCR, including Gurgaon, are flooded every year during the monsoon season, discussions about improving drainage infrastructure continue. When planning a trip during the rainy season, it is still essential to check areas prone to flooding.
India Meteorological Department (IMD) expands regional forecast and warning services centered on apps and portalsWith IMD providing city-level forecasts and heavy rain warnings through its official portal (mausam.imd.gov.in) and mobile app, it has become easier for foreign residents to check monsoon progress and warnings in real time.

FAQ

From when does the monsoon start in Delhi and Gurgaon?

The southwest monsoon lands in Kerala in early June every year and moves north, reaching Delhi NCR around late June to early July and retreating around late September. Since there is a difference of 1-2 weeks every year, it is more accurate to check the year's schedule with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast.

Is it okay to look for a house during monsoon season?

Rather, during or immediately after the monsoon, it is the time when defects such as wall leaks (seepage), poor drainage, and waterlogging history can be most accurately checked. Be sure to check for flooding in the lower-floor and basement parking lots and for stains on the top-floor ceilings, and ask neighbors or the RWA about the complex’s flooding history.

Can I buy a dehumidifier in India?

It is not as common as in Korea. You can purchase it at an online mall, but there are few options, so most homes manage moisture using a combination of air conditioner Dry (dehumidifying) mode and wardrobe desiccant/silica gel. Using a dryer for laundry is especially useful during the monsoon season.

What diseases should I be especially careful about during the monsoon season?

These are mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, and chikungunya, and water-borne diseases such as typhoid and enteritis. Dengue-carrying mosquitoes are active during the day and lay eggs in clean, stagnant water, so removing stagnant water around your home is the most effective prevention. The number of cases is highest in the second half of the monsoon and immediately after, so stay alert until October.

Do power outages become more frequent during monsoon?

yes. Heavy rain and strong winds cause problems with power distribution facilities, making power outages more frequent than usual. Before monsoon, check the condition of the inverter battery and prepare auxiliary batteries and flashlights. It is a good idea for society residents to check in advance the power backup coverage (lights, outlets, air conditioners).

References & links

India Meteorological Department IMD Forecast Portal (Mausam)India's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), India Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy)Indian Government Official Portal