Heavy Rains Trigger Flood-like Situation in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is seeing intense rainfall this week, with a strong monsoon system bringing heavy showers across more than 20 districts. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for the next four days, warning of possible flooding and waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Heavy rain warning in Madhya Pradesh

On Wednesday, Itarsi in Narmadapuram district was among the worst hit. Streets, houses, hospitals, and a government rest house were flooded. The Jamani village electricity sub-station was submerged. Authorities had to cut off the power supply after evacuating staff.

Rain also pounded several other areas. Chhindwara recorded 2.1 inches of rainfall in nine hours. Guna saw 1.8 inches, Narmadapuram and Gwalior 1.5 inches, and Shajapur 1.2 inches. Heavy rain was reported in Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Shivpuri, Jabalpur, and Tikamgarh.

In Seoni Malwa tehsil, fields and roads remained underwater. In Ujjain, traffic was low as rain continued through the day. In Bhopal, light rain persisted throughout.

A tragic incident was reported in Shajapur, where 27-year-old Vishal Kewat died after being struck by lightning while fishing in a river.

IMD officials have warned that conditions may worsen.

"Two cyclonic circulations and a monsoon trough are active over the state. This combination is drawing continuous moisture, resulting in heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of Madhya Pradesh," said Dr. Divya E. Surendran, a senior scientist at the IMD.

Rain uneven across MP districts

A red alert for heavy rain has been issued for 20 districts today. These include Jabalpur, Vidisha, Sehore, Sagar, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Betul, Chhatarpur, Damoh, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Panna, Katni, Seoni, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Anuppur, and Umaria.

IMD estimates that these areas could receive up to 4.5 inches of rain in the next 24 hours.

Rainfall totals across the state have already crossed seasonal expectations. Madhya Pradesh has recorded an average of 21.1 inches so far this monsoon. That’s 7 inches more than the expected 14.1 inches by this time of year, a 53 percent increase.

Dr. Surendran confirmed the trend. "This season, the state has already received significantly above-normal rainfall. The next four days will continue this pattern."

Three districts, Niwari, Tikamgarh, and Sheopur, have exceeded their annual rainfall targets. Five others, including Gwalior, have received 80 to 95 percent of their usual rainfall.

But not all areas are seeing enough rain. Indore, Ujjain, Shajapur, Burhanpur, and Agar-Malwa have received less than 10 inches so far. These regions are currently at risk of drought conditions.

The contrast across districts highlights the uneven spread of the monsoon this year.

Heavy rain disrupts daily life

On Wednesday alone, heavy showers impacted many towns and villages. Roads became impassable, and normal life came to a halt in places like Itarsi, Seoni Malwa, and Ujjain.

The IMD has asked residents to stay alert, especially in flood-prone and low-lying areas.

"With rainfall expected to continue over the next four days, we advise people to avoid unnecessary travel, stay indoors during intense spells, and follow updates from local authorities," said Dr. Surendran.

In the coming days, weather conditions will depend on how long the monsoon systems remain active over central India.

Authorities are monitoring the situation and may issue fresh warnings if rain intensity increases.

The next 72 hours are crucial for local administrations trying to prevent further damage in areas already facing floods.

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