Floods Disrupt Life Across Madhya Pradesh as Rains Cross 50% of Annual Quota

Relentless rain across Madhya Pradesh has triggered widespread flooding, disrupted daily life, and raised serious questions about disaster preparedness.

In just four weeks, the state has received over 18 inches of rain, more than half of its average seasonal quota. In districts like Niwari, rainfall has already crossed 100% of the expected amount. Mandla and Tikamgarh have reached 75%.

Officials warn that the situation may worsen.

“We are looking at continued heavy rainfall for at least the next four days,” said Arun Sharma, a senior meteorologist. “A monsoon trough is active over the region, along with a low-pressure system pulling moisture from both the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.”

Heavy rain floods Madhya Pradesh

On Monday, six gates of the Atal Sagar Dam in Shivpuri were opened after water levels surged. Around 1,500 cubic meters per second of water was released. The release flooded downstream areas, and local roads were shut.

In Sheopur, floodwaters entered homes, shops, and even hospitals. A video from the Baroda area shows streets underwater. The Kwari river overflowed and forced the closure of the road to Agra. In Shivpuri’s Rannaud area, families were displaced after water entered their houses. A house collapse in Tikamgarh killed three buffaloes.

The situation is also critical in Mandla, where just 30 minutes of rain was enough to flood homes and businesses. In Raisen, overflowing drains turned a rally into a mud-clogged mess. In Bhopal, heavy afternoon rain flooded key roads.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for 19 districts. These include Rajgarh, Jhabua, Ratlam, Ujjain, Mandsaur, Shivpuri, Morena, and Sheopur. The alert warns of very heavy rainfall and possible landslides and floods in the next 24 to 48 hours.

A yellow alert is in place for 22 more districts, including Indore, Gwalior, Rewa, Katni, and Seoni. These areas may experience heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning.

Rainfall rises, danger spreads statewide

The flood threat is not limited to smaller towns. In Jabalpur, which usually receives the highest rainfall among Madhya Pradesh’s major cities, the season's total has already reached 22.5 inches. That’s nearly double what was recorded by this time last year.

“The rainfall is higher than average, but thankfully it’s slowed a bit in recent days,” said Amit Sharma, another meteorologist. “Still, with five gates of the Bargi Dam open, we’re watching the situation closely.”

Rainfall data from the last 24 hours shows alarming spikes, Sheopur-Baroda received 174 mm, Morena-Sabalgarh saw 152 mm, and Dewas-Kategaon recorded 140 mm.

In Sheopur, a youth was swept away while trying to cross a swollen culvert. His last moments were captured in a viral video.

Tourist sites are also affected. Police in Guna turned back devotees visiting the Ajit Kho waterfall after water levels surged. In Sehore, two young men drowned while picnicking at Kolar Dam.

As the rain continues, many ask if the state is ready for what's next.

With schools shut in several districts and emergency helplines active, authorities have urged people to remain indoors, avoid travel, and keep track of local weather alerts.

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