RAIPUR: Normal life has been severely disrupted across Chhattisgarh following incessant heavy rainfall over the past two days, triggering severe waterlogging and flood-like conditions in several low-lying areas. Amid the relentless downpour, the state has reported two tragic fatalities, prompting the administration to step up emergency response measures.
According to officials, a woman lost her life in the Bastar district after a mud house collapsed in the Kurandi area. In a separate incident in the Kondagaon district, a 40-year-old farmer tragically drowned after falling into a swollen, flooded drain while attempting to catch fish in a paddy field.
The continuous heavy downpour has caused major rivers, including the Mahanadi, Indravati, and Shivnath, to swell dangerously, leading to water accumulation in urban centers and cutting off vital transport routes. Commuters faced immense hardships as communication lines and road connectivity took a hit, with traffic heavily disrupted on key routes like the Raipur-Durg National Highway. Panic also gripped passengers in Gariaband after a passenger bus was briefly trapped in four-foot-deep floodwaters.
In view of the worsening weather and to protect children from potential hazards, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced a statewide holiday for all government, private, and aided schools. Stressing that student safety is paramount, the government noted that the closure will remain in place until weather conditions stabilize.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has directed all district collectors to remain on high alert and closely monitor the situation, especially in vulnerable settlements near rivers and low-lying zones. The administration has been instructed to fast-track relief operations, ensure prompt rescue responses, and provide safe shelters, food, and medical assistance wherever necessary.
The Meteorological Department has issued warnings for very heavy rainfall to persist across several districts over the next few hours. Issuing a public advisory, CM Sai urged citizens to exercise utmost caution, avoid going near overflowing water bodies, streams, or waterfalls, and refrain from crossing submerged bridges or roads. Residents in distress have been advised to immediately dial '112' or contact local administrative helpline numbers for emergency assistance.
