Heavy Rains Swell Rivers in Madhya Pradesh; Disaster Teams on High Alert; Schools Closed; CM Mohan Yadav Reviews Situation
Bhopal: Heavy rainfall across several parts of Madhya Pradesh has caused water levels in rivers and streams to rise, with reports of waterlogging in various areas. In view of this, disaster relief teams across the state have been placed on high alert.
Teams from the State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF), Home Guards, and Civil Defence have intensified rescue and relief operations in vulnerable areas. Pragya Richa Shrivastava, Director General of Home Guards, Civil Defence, and Disaster Management (SDERF), stated that teams have been kept on standby in all districts at risk of flooding.
Quick Response Teams, disaster relief vehicles, rescue boats, and other modern equipment have been kept ready to ensure aid reaches affected areas without delay.
380 people evacuated
In Agar Malwa district, rescue teams safely evacuated 380 people stranded in waterlogged areas under the Soyat police station's jurisdiction. Of these, 250 were rescued from the Electricity Office Colony, 70 from Madhav Chowk, and 60 from the Indore-Kota Highway. All rescued individuals were moved to safe locations and relief camps.
Youth rescued in Ujjain
In Ujjain, a Home Guard jawan displayed great bravery by rescuing a young man who was being swept away by the swollen Kshipra River. Jai Sisodia, a 21-year-old resident of Nanakheda, had gone to bathe near Ram Ghat when he was caught in the strong current.
Constable Jeevan Solanki immediately jumped into the deep water and succeeded in bringing Sisodia to safety. He was administered first aid on the spot and subsequently taken to a hospital for further treatment.
SDERF monitoring weather and flood conditions
Meanwhile, the SDERF headquarters in Bhopal is monitoring weather and flood conditions in vulnerable districts around the clock. Teams are being kept ready for immediate deployment wherever the need arises.
Officials have also appealed to the public to exercise caution during the rains. Citizens have been advised to stay away from swollen rivers and drains, avoid crossing flooded bridges and roads, and steer clear of waterlogged areas. People have also been urged to follow official weather and disaster management advisories and to avoid unnecessary travel during inclement weather.
Schools closed
In view of the continuous heavy rainfall in the district, and following the Collector's directive, a holiday has been declared for students from Nursery to Class 12 in all government, private, and aided schools across Bhopal district on August 12. This order applies to schools affiliated with all boards, including MPBSE, CBSE, and ICSE.
According to the order, all teachers and staff members are required to be present at their respective school offices during school hours. Schools may conduct online or virtual classes in accordance with the scheduled timetable if necessary. This order comes into effect immediately.
CM Reviews Heavy Rainfall Situation
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav reviewed the situation arising from heavy rainfall, waterlogging and floods across the State. He reviewed rescue operations underway at various locations to evacuate people affected by waterlogging and floods. The Chief Minister also interacted virtually with affected residents, rescue personnel and local people.
Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Sanjay Shukla, Director General of Police Kailash Makwana and Director, Home Guards, Pragya Richa were present in the Situation Room.
CM Appreciates SDRF, Police, Home Guards and Local Residents
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that prompt action by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Police and Home Guards had helped save the lives of 527 people. The CM also appreciated the initiative taken by local residents involved in rescue operations. He said that arrangements would be made to honour those who have helped save lives.
Dr. Yadav said that rescue operations are being carried out round the clock wherever required across the state. Police and district administration authorities are arranging food for all those in need. District-level police and administrative authorities have been directed to work in close coordination, with assistance from neighbouring districts being sought wherever necessary. He added that air ambulance services would also be made available wherever required.
CM Directs Officials to Take All Possible Precautions
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav directed district officials to work with complete alertness, efficiency, sensitivity and restraint in view of the prevailing disaster situation. He instructed officials to seek support through coordination at the divisional and state levels whenever required.
The Chief Minister directed officials to take all possible precautions in areas affected by heavy rainfall, waterlogging and floods. He specifically instructed that vehicles must not be allowed to cross culverts when water is flowing over them. From the Situation Room, the Chief Minister virtually reviewed rescue operations underway in Rajgarh, Sehore, Agar Malwa, Vidisha and Khandwa districts.