Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, August 4: Jharkhand is reeling from severe flooding and infrastructure damage due to recent heavy rainfall, with Ranchi and several other districts bearing the brunt of the disaster. The crisis has resulted in multiple casualties, widespread disruption, and significant challenges for residents and businesses.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in Garhwa, Chatra, and Palamu, with other areas under orange and yellow alerts. Chief Minister Hemant Soren responded by ordering the closure of all schools in the state as a precautionary measure.
Low-lying areas of Ranchi have been particularly affected, prompting the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to rescue about 40 individuals. In Dhanbad, residential areas like Grewal Colony and Mangal Vihar Colony are experiencing significant water accumulation. Residents near the Damodar and Bhairavi rivers have been warned to avoid riverbanks due to rising water levels.
The disaster has claimed at least eight lives across the state, including one in Ranchi, due to rain-related incidents and lightning strikes. Infrastructure damage has been substantial, with two major bridges collapsing. The Gomiya bridge in Bermo sub-division collapsed, causing the destruction of several smaller bridges nearby. A portion of a 300-meter bridge in Bokaro district’s Gomia block also collapsed, affecting about 20-30 feet of the structure.
The most affected districts include Bokaro, Gumla, Ranchi, and Ramgarh. In Gumla alone, at least three road diversions were washed away, impacting around 15,000 people from five villages. To address the crisis, the Ranchi Municipal Corporation has established toll-free numbers for residents to report waterlogging issues.
Local communities are rallying together, sharing resources and providing shelter to those displaced by the flooding. The government has deployed Quick Response Teams (QRT) in areas like Dhanbad to address waterlogging and assist in debris clearance.
Businesses are grappling with significant challenges, with many forced to temporarily close, resulting in income loss and supply chain disruptions. Some are adapting by relocating to higher ground or leveraging online platforms for sales. The state government is providing relief measures, including food and essential supplies to affected families, indirectly supporting local businesses.
As the situation evolves, the combined efforts of communities, government agencies, and rescue teams are crucial in navigating the challenges posed by the severe weather and infrastructure failures.
