Heavy rains have created flood-like situation in Rajasthan
Record rainfall in the last 24 hours has led to a flood-like situation in parts of Rajasthan including Chittorgarh and Bhilwara. The situation is particularly bad in Bhilwara where several towns and villages have been cut off because of flooding and residents are stranded. Rescue teams of the army and the National Disaster Response Force have airlifted over 16 people from the worst affected areas.
In Bijolia town near Bhilwara, nearly 40 schoolchildren had a narrow escape on Monday morning when their bus fell into the swollen Gambheeri river. The children could only be rescued after the locals joined the rescue operations.
Officials say the state government has requested more army men for relief operations in the flooded areas. Teams of the Indian Air Force are also involved in relief and rescue operations in the state.
"The situation is worse in towns of Chittorgarh since water accumulates in low-lying areas of the district," said Chittorgarh Collector Inderjeet Singh. Another official, of the Bhilwara district administration, said temporary shelters had been set-up and relief material was being provided to residents who had to be shifted from their homes.
Meanwhile, rains continued to lash Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar and Kota districts of Hadouti region for the third consecutive day with rivers and rivulets overflowing. Kota Collector Ravi Kumar Surpur has directed officials to remain alert, and take all precautionary measures.
On Tuesday, the Met department warned that the situation could worsen, as heavy rain is expected to continue over the next 24 hours.