Madhya Pradesh hit hard by unprecedented rainfall and floods

Madhya Pradesh is facing severe rainfall, causing statewide disruptions. On September 12th, classes from nursery to 8th grade were suspended in many districts due to relentless downpours affecting over 28 districts, including Bhopal, Indore, and Jabalpur.

Extreme rainfall causes flooding in MP

Rainfall over the past 24 hours has been extraordinary. From 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Naugaon in Chhatarpur and Pachmarhi in Narmadapuram received 4 inches of rain each. Bhopal and Khajuraho experienced 2 inches, while Shivpuri recorded 2.75 inches. More severe rainfall was noted in Shajapur and Khargone, where 45 inches fell, compared to Ujjain’s 1/2 inch.

Continuous rain affected Betul, Guna, Narmadapuram, Indore, Khandwa, Ratlam, Chhindwara, Damoh, Jabalpur, Mandla, Narsinghpur, Rewa, Sagar, Satna, Seoni, Sidhi, Tikamgarh, Umaria, Balaghat, Agar-Malwa, and Dewas districts. Heavy showers caused severe flooding, with submerged roads in Tikamgarh and Shivpuri and inundated houses in Damoh. The overflow of Parashari Nala in Begamganj, Raisen district, worsened the situation and forced the closure of the Sagar-Bhopal road.

Emergency responses are underway. Two farmers stranded on an island in the Dhasan River in Tikamgarh remain unrescued due to the river's swift currents. The district collector has requested army assistance for their rescue. Meanwhile, two pregnant women have been evacuated from flood-affected areas in Nilagodri, Kiranpur (Balaghat), and Kandri Kala, Lanji.

Due to extreme weather, schools in various districts are closed. Affected:

• Bhind: Holiday for 1st to 8th class.

• Bhopal: Holiday for Nursery to 5th class, including Anganwadi centres.

• Gwalior: Holiday for students up to 8th standard, including Anganwadi centres.

• Morena: Holiday until 8th grade.

• Damoh: Schools, colleges, and Anganwadis closed on September 12th and 13th.

Senior meteorologist Dr. Ved Prakash Singh explained, “A deep depression has formed around Odisha, crossed the Odisha coast, and is currently active in northern Chhattisgarh as of Tuesday morning. This has led to heavy rains across districts, including Narmadapuram, Jabalpur, and Bhopal divisions. The monsoon trough is positioned in the center of the depression, extending through Guna and Umaria. Additionally, the cyclonic circulation system is active.”

He noted, “Moisture from the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea winds have intensified the rain system. Although it will weaken slightly after September 12, it will remain active for 24 hours. Heavy rains will persist in Bhopal, Sagar, and Gwalior divisions until September 14.”

Dam openings and rainfall records

Heavy rains caused 129 gates of 30 dams statewide to open, the highest number this season. Significant rainfall was recorded across various districts:

• Shahgarh, Sagar: 12 inches

• Patharia, Damoh: 12 inches

• Udaypura, Raisen: Over 10 inches

• Jabalpur: 12 inches

• Seoni: 10 inches

• Buxwaha, Chhatarpur: 9.75 inches

• Mandla, Matiari: 7.75 inches

• Piparia, Narmadapuram: 6.50 inches

MP recorded above-normal rainfall in over 30 districts

The state has recorded above-normal rainfall in over 30 districts, with Sheopur receiving the highest at 170% above normal and Rewa the least at 60% of usual rainfall. Bhopal’s cumulative rainfall has surpassed the 2016 record, with 60 inches this season.

In Rajgarh district, the Ajnar river overflowed, flooding over 100 villages and necessitating dam gate openings to manage water levels. The flood conditions led to road closures, impacting connectivity to nearby villages. In the Pipariya Gram Panchayat, a dozen houses were submerged due to pond overflow.

Severe weather has resulted in fatalities. In Sagar district, lightning struck and killed a couple in Sagauni village. Additionally, fast-moving water in Gadhakota swept away a 25-year-old man.