A strong weather system over Madhya Pradesh has triggered heavy rain across the state, causing flooding in several areas. On Friday, more than 20 districts recorded significant rainfall, with Chhatarpur receiving the highest at 310 mm.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued flood alerts in 16 districts. Schools have been shut in Shivpuri, and emergency warnings are in place in parts of Gwalior, Tikamgarh, and Chhatarpur.
“Rainfall activity peaked on Friday due to a depression over northwest Madhya Pradesh. A monsoon trough is also passing through central India,” said Arun Sharma, senior scientist at IMD Bhopal. “The system will start weakening by late Saturday.”
Despite the weakening trend, 14 districts remain under heavy rain warning for Saturday. These include Gwalior, Morena, Sheopur, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Ratlam, Jhabua, and others. Some areas may receive up to 115 mm (4.5 inches) of rainfall in 24 hours.
In Chhatarpur, two houses collapsed on Friday, killing a girl and a young man in separate incidents. The girl died when her house caved in; her mother was injured. The young man was swept away while crossing a drain on a bicycle.
In Mauganj, a major section of the Katra main road was washed away. Commuters had to reroute through Devtalab. In Tikamgarh, water flowed three feet above the Punol Nala bridge, halting traffic on the Jhansi highway.
Schools remained closed in Shivpuri, Chhatarpur, Rewa, Satna, Dindori, Tikamgarh, and Mauganj on Friday. Shivpuri schools will stay shut today as well.
An ambulance in Chhatarpur was swept off a flooded road. Bystanders pulled the driver to safety. In Dhamachi village, 200 families were trapped after the Urmil River entered the area.
Emergency authorities opened floodgates in multiple dams. In Chhatarpur, 12 gates of Rangawa Dam, 7 of Kutni, and 13 of Lahchura were released. In Shivpuri, 2 gates of the Madikheda Atal Sagar Dam were opened.
Rainfall recorded in key districts in the last 24 hours
| City | Rainfall (mm) | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Chhatarpur | 310 | 12.2 |
| Khajuraho | 148.6 | 5.8 |
| Satna | 141.4 | 5.6 |
| Naugaon | 132.4 | 5.2 |
| Datia | 128.7 | 5.1 |
| Tikamgarh | 89 | 3.5 |
| Guna | 74 | 2.9 |
| Rewa | 58.8 | 2.3 |
| Gwalior | 45.8 | 1.8 |
| Pachmarhi | 26.2 | 1.0 |
| Mandla | 21.6 | 0.9 |
| Shivpuri | 20 | 0.8 |
| Raisen | 18.2 | 0.7 |
IMD officials warned that more rain is expected in areas near the Rajasthan border over the weekend. “The low-pressure area is moving westward toward Rajasthan,” said Ajay Shukla, weather expert. “Districts like Neemuch, Mandsaur, and Ratlam should remain alert.”
Since the start of the monsoon, Madhya Pradesh has recorded 20.1 inches of rain on average. That’s 8.3 inches more than expected by this time of the season. Most of the excess has fallen in the eastern and northeastern parts.
In Gwalior, officials opened 7 gates of the Tighra Dam and issued alerts in 20 nearby villages. Locals have been asked to avoid flooded roads and stay indoors where possible.
With more rain forecast, state agencies are on high alert. The administration is urging residents in flood-prone areas to follow advisories and avoid crossing swollen drains or rivers.
“Safety is our priority,” Sharma added. “People should not take chances near waterlogged areas.”
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