Heavy rains predicted in 25 districts during next 48 hours

Bhopal. Heavy rains have been predicted in 25 districts of the state in next 48 hours. Divisional commissioners of Bhopal, Hoshangabad, Indore, Jabalpur and Shahdol divisions have been alerted about heavy rains at one or two places in the districts under their respective jurisdictions. In a wireless message, the Relief Commissioner has directed collectors of Bhopal, Raisen, Vidisha, Rajgarh, Sehore, Hoshangabad, Harda, Betul, Indore, Khandwa, Khargone, Jhabua, Dhar, Barwani, Burhanpur, Jabalpur, Mandla, Seoni, Chhindwara, Katni, Narsinghpur, Balaghat, Shahdol, Dindori and Anuppur districts to remain alert in view of prediction of heavy rains.

So far, rains and floods have claimed 11 lives in the state. Assessment of loss of cattle heads and damage to houses and crops is being made. Relief camps are being opened for people affected by rains during the last three days in some districts. About 1600 affected persons have been accommodated in two relief camps in Harda district. Three relief camps had been set up in Hoshangabad district where 1300 persons had taken shelter including 1000 from Itarsi and 150 each from Hoshangabad and Seoni Malwa. The affected persons have departed for their homes after the situation became normal. In Dewas also, 75 persons taking shelter in relief camp have returned home after normalisation of situation.

Crops have also suffered damage due to excessive rains in a few districts, which is being assessed. These mainly include Ujjain, Sehore, Shajapur, Dewas, Harda, Hoshangabad and Ratlam districts. Adequate allocation has been made available to extend relief to flood-affected people. Initially, Rs. 10 lakh each has been allocated to districts in addition to Rs. one lakh each for purchasing rescue material. Additional allocation for flood relief is also being made available to few districts.

So far, additional allocation to the tune of Rs. 10 lakh each has been made available to flood-affected Sidhi and Burhanpur districts, Rs. 40 lakh to Indore, Rs. 30 lakh to Sehore, Rs. 60 lakh to Harda and Rs. one crore to Dewas districts. Thus, Rs. 2.50 crore has been made available to districts. Advance allocation of Rs. 5 crore at the rate of Rs. 10 lakh per district has also been provided. For purchasing rescue boats, Rs. 10 lakh has been provided to Sehore, Rs. 13 lakh to Vidisha, Rs. 8 lakh to Jabalpur and Rs. 15 lakh to Raisen districts. Rs. 50 lakh advance at the rate of Rs. one lakh per district has also been provided for flood rescue material and repairs of motor boats.

Above average rains in 13 districts

Since June 1 till date 13 districts of the state including Harda, Rewa, Khandwa, Jabalpur, Betul, Dewas, Sehore, Damoh, Hoshangabad, Datia, Shivpuri, Ujjain and Singraulie have received above normal (over 20 percent) rainfall. The district which have received below normal (+19 to – 19) rains include Mandla, Indore, Morena, Burhanpur, Sidhi, Gwalior, Raisen, Khargone, Bhind, Narsinghur, Shajapur, Mandsaur, Bhopal, Tikamgarh, Ratlam, Katni, Anuppur, Chhindwara, Jhabua, Vidisha, Sheopur Kalan, Dindori, Shahdol, Panna and Seoni.

Ashok Nagar, Umaria, Balaghat, Dhar, Sagar, Satna, Chhatarpur, Guna, Barwani, Neemuch and Alirajpur districts have received scanty rainfall (-20 to -59).