Jamshedpur: The water levels of both Subernarekha and Kharkai rivers have risen alarmingly above the danger mark, prompting authorities to issue an urgent advisory for residents living in low-lying and riverbank areas. Continuous rainfall in the region and heavy inflow of water from upstream catchment areas have led to the rapid swelling of both rivers.
At the Mango Bridge site, the Subernarekha River has crossed its danger level of 121.50 metres, with the present water level recorded at 122.48 metres. Similarly, at the Adityapur Bridge site, the Kharkai River has surged past its danger mark of 129 metres, reaching a present level of 131.60 metres.
District administration officials, along with disaster management teams, have appealed to residents of tatiy areas, flood-prone zones, and villages adjoining the riverbanks to remain alert and take necessary precautions. Loudspeaker announcements are being made in vulnerable localities to warn people against venturing close to the rivers.
The administration is on high alert with round-the-clock monitoring at key points, including Mango Bridge and Adityapur Bridge, where water levels are being tracked continuously. The situation has raised concerns over possible inundation of low-lying areas such as Mango, Bagbera, Jugsalai, Adityapur, and parts of Kadma and Sonari, which are prone to flooding whenever the rivers swell beyond danger levels.
Rescue and relief teams have been kept on standby with boats, safety equipment, and emergency shelters readied in case evacuation becomes necessary. Local police stations have also been directed to coordinate with community leaders for swift communication and movement of people if water enters residential areas.
Meanwhile, residents in flood-prone zones are already witnessing seepage and accumulation of water. Some families in vulnerable pockets have begun shifting valuables to higher places as a precautionary measure.
The Deputy Commissioner’s office has reiterated its appeal to the public to avoid rumor-mongering and follow only official updates. Citizens have also been urged not to attempt crossing the rivers through boats or makeshift arrangements, as the current has intensified due to the increased water discharge.
With both rivers flowing well above their respective danger levels, the coming 24 to 48 hours will be critical. The administration, already on alert, is keeping a close watch on the situation, and much will depend on the intensity of further rainfall in the catchment areas.
Goelkera records 162.4 mm rainfall
Jamshedpur: Goelkera in West Singhbhum district recorded the heaviest downpour of 162.4 mm as Jharkhand witnessed widespread rainfall over the past 48 hours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of the state over the next three days, warning of possible flooding, waterlogging, and lightning strikes.
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds with speeds of 30 to 40 kmph are likely at several locations today. On August 24, heavy rainfall is forecast over western and central Jharkhand, while on August 25, the wet spell is expected to continue over western and adjoining central districts along with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.
Meteorologists said the active spell is being driven by multiple weather systems. The monsoon trough currently extends from Suratgarh to the northeast Bay of Bengal, while cyclonic circulations persist over Gangetic West Bengal, Bangladesh and southwest Uttar Pradesh. Adding to this, a fresh low-pressure area is likely to form over the northwest Bay of Bengal off Odisha–West Bengal coasts around August 25, which may further intensify rainfall in Jharkhand.
