Heavy rains in Madhya Pradesh have disrupted normal life. Many parts of the state are facing flood-like situations. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav is constantly monitoring the situation. He is taking updates on a minute-by-minute basis and directing the administration regarding relief and rescue operations.
On the Chief Minister's instructions, extensive preparations were made in the state beforehand to deal with the floods. Disaster Response Centers have been established in 259 identified sensitive areas across the state. NDRF teams have been deployed in Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and Dhar, while SDRF has been activated in other sensitive areas.
Robust Disaster Management Preparedness
The state government has taken several steps to strengthen disaster management. 111 Quick Response Teams have been prepared, which are capable of handling any emergency situation. Additionally, 3,300 disaster friends and 80,375 Civil Defence Volunteers have been trained in 11 districts. To provide timely alerts to the general public, the State Disaster Control Room issued 75 Red Alerts through the SACHET portal between June 1st and July 30th. These alerts were sent to mobile phones three hours in advance so that people could be protected from potential danger.
24-hour control rooms are being operated at the state level, which are monitoring water levels, rainfall, and relief operations in real-time. The Irrigation Department is providing timely information about dam water levels and drainage to the district administration.
Waterlogging in Several Districts Due to Excessive Rainfall
So far, an average of 703.33 mm of rainfall has been recorded in the state, which is 60% more than normal. In Mandla district, 51% of the total rainfall was recorded in just four days. More than normal rainfall has occurred in 40 districts of the state, normal rainfall in 9 districts, and less than normal rainfall in 2 districts.
Due to heavy rains, 254 rural roads were affected, out of which 212 roads have been immediately repaired. Barricades have been installed for safety to prevent any loss of life. The water level has increased in all major and minor dams, but the administration has managed the water in such a way that not only is safety ensured, but also sufficient water storage is secured for irrigation.
Thousands Find Support in Relief Camps
On the instructions of the Chief Minister, relief work is being carried out rapidly throughout the state. Currently, 53 relief camps are operating across the state, where 3,065 people have been provided with safe shelter. In Mauganj, Guna, Morena, Damoh, and Raisen districts, victims are being provided with food, drinking water, and medicines in the already active relief camps.
So far, relief and rescue teams have conducted 432 operations in the state, in which 3,628 citizens and 94 animals have been safely rescued. 94 culverts were damaged due to the rains, but the administration immediately prepared alternative routes and restored traffic.
Financial Assistance and Government Efforts
District Collectors have distributed relief funds of ₹28.49 crore so far to help flood-affected people. The state government has made a provision of ₹3,600 crore in this head, so that there is no financial obstacle at any level.
After the Meteorological Department's heavy rain warning on July 30, the Chief Minister himself inspected the state-level flood control room and reviewed the relief operations. He boosted the morale of the rescue teams and also encouraged the victims by communicating with them. The Chief Minister gave clear instructions that no citizen should face any difficulty and there should be no laxity in relief work. Assistance from the army is also being taken when needed, and full cooperation is being received from the central government.
