Continuous rain across Madhya Pradesh has pushed several rivers and dams to dangerous levels, prompting officials to issue a heavy rain alert for 12 districts today. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that Gwalior, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Shivpuri, Ashoknagar, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, and Satna may receive up to 4.5 inches of rainfall in the next 24 hours.
IMD meteorologist Arun Sharma confirmed the warning, saying, “A monsoon trough is passing through the state, which will bring intense rainfall over the northern region for at least the next two days.”
Heavy rainfall over the past month has already overwhelmed 54 major dams, including Johila, Bargi, Bansagar, and Satpura. Several dams have crossed safe levels and had to open their gates. Water from overflowing rivers has submerged low-lying areas and riverside temples.
“Water levels have exceeded July expectations,” said Sharma. “This has forced authorities to open dam gates to manage the inflow.”
In Shahdol district, officials opened eight gates of the Bansagar Dam. In Betul’s Sarani area, five gates of the Satpura Dam were raised up to two feet to release excess water. The rising Ur River in Alirajpur has worsened the situation there.
The heavy rain also caused structural damage. In Pithampur, a wall of a house under construction collapsed, killing a two-month-old girl and injuring her father. The incident occurred at 4 p.m. in Tarpura village.
Durga Thakur, the mother of the deceased child, said, “We were sleeping when the neighbour’s third-floor wall collapsed onto our room. My daughter Sakshi was in my lap.”
The child died on the spot. Her father, Dashrath Thakur, received head injuries and is being treated at a private hospital.
Several areas across the state reported damage and disruptions. In Mauganj, a tree fell across a main road near Khadui Nala, halting traffic. The district has seen continuous rain since Wednesday evening.
In Jabalpur and Gwalior, 1.1 inches of rain fell within nine hours on Wednesday. Pachmarhi recorded one inch. Mandla received 4.5 inches. Datia, Ujjain, Ratlam, Damoh, Rewa, Sidhi, Balaghat, and Shivpuri also recorded steady rainfall.
In Dindori, people were seen risking their lives while crossing swollen rivers. In Amkhut, water from the river entered homes. Colonies in Mandla were flooded.
Bhopal and Indore may escape the worst today. IMD predicts only light rainfall for these cities, although evening showers cooled down the capital on Wednesday.
This season, Madhya Pradesh has received 18.5 inches of rainfall so far, compared to the usual 11 inches by this time of year. That’s 7.5 inches above average. The eastern part of the state has received the most rain.
Large reservoirs such as Barna, Gandhi Sagar, Indira Sagar, Tawa, and Omkareshwar are all near full capacity. Bhopal’s Upper Lake is also close to overflowing. Once it reaches 6.5 feet, the gates of Bhadbhada Dam will be opened.
The IMD continues to monitor the situation. Arun Sharma stressed the need for caution: “People living near rivers and dams should stay alert. The water levels can rise quickly.”
Authorities are on high alert as rains are expected to continue through the weekend. Emergency services have been instructed to remain on standby in vulnerable areas.
Residents in affected districts are urged to avoid flood-prone zones and report any emergencies to local disaster teams.
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