Flood-like situation in Jamshedpur as rainfall touches 247 mm

10 dead, dozens injured as torrential rain batters Jharkhand

Jamshedpur, June 19: The southwest Monsoon is in full fury, unleashing record-breaking rainfall across the State and raising alarm bells in several districts, especially in East Singhbhum. Jamshedpur emerged as the wettest city in the State in the past 24 hours, recording a staggering 247.2 mm of rainfall, the highest in the state. Seraikela followed closely with 237 mm, while the state capital Ranchi received over 150 mm of rain. Situation is quite grim in Jamshedpur as flood-like situation has appeared with three days of continuous rain.

The downpour, which began late Tuesday evening, has continued relentlessly, plunging temperatures to below 25°C, an uncommon dip for mid-June. Streets in many localities remain waterlogged, while movement across the city has slowed down due to reduced visibility and slippery roads.

According to the Meteorological Centre, Ranchi, the southwest monsoon has now advanced further and covered the entire state of Jharkhand along with remaining parts of Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and significant areas in Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and East Uttar Pradesh.

Meanwhile, at least 10 people have died and 25 others injured as continuous heavy rainfall wreaked havoc across Jharkhand over the last 48 hours, officials said on Thursday.

Several bridges have been washed away, houses have collapsed, and low-lying areas have been submerged, prompting the deployment of NDRF teams for rescue operations.

The Northern Limit of Monsoon (NLM) currently passes through Barmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Gwalior, Khajuraho, Sonbhadra, Gaya, and 30.5°N/82.5°E.

A well-marked low-pressure area persists over Gangetic West Bengal and its adjoining regions and is expected to drift slowly northwestward across Jharkhand over the next 24 hours, intensifying rainfall activity even further. June 20: Very heavy rainfall is expected in North-Western Jharkhand, while North-Central and North-Eastern regions may witness heavy showers along with thunderstorm activity. June 21: Heavy rainfall is forecast over North-Western and North-Eastern districts, accompanied by isolated thunderstorms and lightning.

The relentless rainfall over the last 48 hours has caused the Subernarekha and Kharkai rivers to swell dangerously, triggering flood alerts in low-lying areas of East Singhbhum district.

Localities including Bagbera, Mango, Sankosai, Kadma, Sonari, and Adityapur are considered most at risk due to their proximity to riverbanks.

In anticipation of potential flooding, the East Singhbhum district administration has mobilized emergency resources: 24×7 control rooms have been activated and are continuously monitoring the situation. Municipal bodies and block-level officials have been instructed to remain on standby. NDRF and disaster response teams are on alert with boats, rescue kits, and essential supplies. Designated shelters have been readied for evacuation, should the situation demand.

Citizens have been urged to avoid venturing near riverbanks or waterlogged zones. Relocate to safer, higher areas if water levels rise. Keep emergency kits, documents, and medications ready. Follow official updates and avoid spreading rumours.

A senior district official stated, “We are fully prepared to respond to any emergency. The safety of citizens is our top priority. We urge residents, especially those in riverbank areas, to stay alert and follow instructions issued by the administration.”

With the low-pressure system still active and monsoon currents gaining strength, the next 24 to 36 hours are expected to be particularly critical. The district administration has assured that all departments are working in close coordination and are ready to act immediately if water levels breach safe thresholds.

Rivers flowing above danger mark, dam gates opened

Jamshedpur: Due to the continuous rise in water levels, two gates each of Odisha’s Bayangbil Dam and Kharkai Dam have been opened. As a result, both the Subarnarekha and Kharkai rivers are now flowing above the danger mark, raising flood concerns in surrounding areas.

At the Mango Bridge site, the Subarnarekha River is flowing at 123.86 metres at 8 pm on June 19, surpassing its danger level of 121.50 metres. Similarly, the Kharkai River at the Adityapur Bridge is flowing at 134.05 metres, well above its danger level of 129 metres. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

Schools in Jsr, Seraikela to remain closed up to Class 8

Jamshedpur: In the wake of a heavy rainfall alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi has announced the suspension of classes in all schools up to Class 8 across East Singhbhum district on Friday, June 20.

Schools in Seraikela-Kharsawan district will also remain closed on June 20 amid heavy rain forecast.

With several rivers already flowing near or above the danger mark, the administration has deemed it unsafe to continue regular school operations.

Invoking powers under Section 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, DC has declared a holiday for all government, private, minority, and aided schools operating classes from 1 to 8.

Chandil Dam water level rises, 11 radial gates opened

Chandil, June 19: Water level of Chandil Dam is continuously rising due to continuous rain. Out of 13 radial gates of the dam, 11 have been opened.

Out of these, 9 radial gates have been opened by three meters each and two radial gates have been opened by two meters each. Currently, the water level of the dam is 181.50 meters, which is continuously rising. The danger of villages in the submergence area of the dam getting submerged has increased.

Due to continuous rain, the common life is disturbed. People are also facing difficulties in handling daily work. Farmers are also facing losses due to heavy rain. Vegetable crops in the fields are also getting destroyed. Rivers are in spate.

Due to rain, the power system in the area has also collapsed. Electricity was restored on Thursday evening after three days at Milan Chowk of Ichagarh block.

Keeping in view the continuous rain and possible disaster situation in the district, the district administration has activated the disaster management control room. The administration has appealed to the people of the district to inform about any kind of disaster related information.

Ranchi schools to remain closed today

Ranchi, June 19: In light of continued heavy rainfall and a red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department, all government, private, non-government, and minority schools in Ranchi district will remain closed on Friday, June 20. The decision, announced by the Ranchi Deputy Commissioner, applied to all classes from KG to 12th.