Floods Disrupt Life in Madhya Pradesh: Schools Shut, Roads Collapse, Red Alerts Issued

Continuous heavy rains have disrupted life in large parts of Madhya Pradesh. Roads have caved in, rivers are overflowing, and the state has already received far more rain than expected for this point in the season.

Madhya Pradesh has recorded an average of 19.2 inches of rainfall so far, nearly 8 inches above the usual 11.5 inches by mid-July. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts in 11 districts and orange alerts in 17 others.

“Due to a strong monsoon trough and a low-pressure system, very heavy rainfall is expected in the Gwalior-Chambal region for the next two days,” said Arun Sharma, senior scientist at IMD Bhopal.

In Satna, 95 mm (3.8 inches) of rain fell within just 9 hours on Thursday. Rewa saw 2.3 inches, while Khajuraho and Tikamgarh recorded 1.7 inches. Floodwaters entered homes in Mauganj. In Chitrakoot, strong flows forced the closure of Gupt Godavari cave to tourists.

The situation turned deadly in Bhopal and Shahdol. In Bhopal, the ground collapsed near the Board Office crossing. Two laborers working on a sewer line died after being buried in the debris.

Heavy rainfall has forced schools to shut in Rewa, Satna, Dindori and Mauganj. Exams at Government Autonomous College in Satna were also postponed.

In Harda, a policeman narrowly escaped after his vehicle was swept away by river water. He jumped out just in time. A similar incident occurred in Satna, where locals rescued a man after his car was caught in floodwaters.

Water levels in the state’s 54 large dams are rising quickly. These include Bansagar, Indira Sagar, Gandhi Sagar, and Rajghat. Bhopal’s Upper Lake is also nearing overflow, which could force the opening of Bhadbhada dam gates.

Sharma warned of continued rainfall in the northeast of the state for the next 72 hours. Rain is expected to shift to the southwest region afterwards.

Forecast for key districts

In eastern MP, roads in Chhatarpur have turned into streams. Shops in the area are waterlogged. In Sidhi, a portion of the main road near the Banas River collapsed. The route has been closed for 24 hours. Locals have been advised to take alternative roads.

The heaviest rainfall in the past 24 hours was recorded in Naigarhi (252 mm) in Rewa, followed by Mauganj (224 mm), Bhanpura in Mandsaur (215 mm), and Bahari in Sidhi (202 mm).

The IMD has cautioned that rivers and small dams in flood-affected districts could overflow if rainfall continues at this pace.

“People in low-lying areas should stay alert. Flash floods are likely in Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, and surrounding districts,” Sharma added.

Despite the challenges, many locals were seen gathering near overflowing waterfalls in Mandsaur and Mauganj to witness the gushing water. But officials are urging restraint.

With more heavy rainfall expected, district administrations are on alert. Relief teams are on standby. Evacuations may be necessary if the downpour intensifies.

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