As rain fury continues to wreak havoc in parts of Rajasthan, the state has witnessed a devastating toll with as many as eight people losing their lives on Monday, bringing the death count in the last two days to 22. The heavy rainfall is expected to persist in the eastern part for the next four to five days, according to officials.
The Karauli district has been particularly hard hit, experiencing heavy rainfall that has resulted in a flood-like situation in Karauli and Hindaun town. The incessant rains have led to severe waterlogging in low-lying areas, while overflowing dams and rivers have disrupted normal life, causing widespread distress among the residents.
In response to the rain havoc, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma conducted a field visit in various parts of Jaipur on Monday evening to assess the situation. CM Sharma’s visit to Jawahar Circle, Malviya Nagar, Sanganer, and Dher ke Balaji areas aimed to take stock of the impact and provide necessary support to the affected areas.
The meteorological department’s prediction of heavy rainfall resulted in the closure of schools on Monday in Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Bharatpur, Dausa, and Karauli. In Jaipur, roads were inundated, leading to traffic jams and significant disruptions to daily life. The Jaipur Meteorological Centre’s spokesperson has warned of the likelihood of heavy and very heavy rainfall activities continuing in parts of Jaipur, Bharatpur, Kota, and Ajmer divisions of eastern Rajasthan for the next four to five days.
Amid the challenging situation, the Disaster Management Department’s Joint Secretary, Bhagwat Singh, reported a flood-like scenario in Karauli and Hindaun town, prompting NDRF and SDRF teams to evacuate about 100 people to safe places. Furthermore, the SDRF concluded an overnight operation, successfully rescuing 25 devotees who were stranded at Trinetra Ganeshji temple in Ranthambore, Sawai Madhopur.
From June 1 to August 12, Rajasthan has experienced 40 percent above-normal rainfall, recording 397.8 mm compared to the normal 283.9 mm during this period. The weather department reported that western Rajasthan witnessed a 56 percent increase in rainfall, while eastern Rajasthan saw a 31 percent rise. With the exception of Dungarpur and Banswara, nearly all other districts have experienced normal to excess rainfall.
As the heavy rainfall continues to pose significant challenges for Rajasthan, the government and disaster management teams remain committed to addressing the immediate impact and ensuring the safety of the residents. The collective efforts of all stakeholders will be crucial in addressing the evolving situation and bolstering the state’s resilience in the face of ongoing and severe rain-related issues.
