The monsoon has once again unleashed its fury in Rajasthan. A red alert has been issued for heavy rainfall in the Kota, Bundi, Baran, Pratapgarh, Chittorgarh, and Jhalawar districts on Wednesday. In light of the weather department's warning, a yellow alert is in effect for the remaining districts of the state, excluding Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Bikaner. As a precautionary measure due to the continuous heavy rainfall and the potential for flooding, orders have been issued to close schools and colleges in 18 districts.
Normal life has been severely disrupted by the rainfall, and the administration throughout the state is on high alert. Roads have been closed in many places, markets have been flooded, and villages have been cut off from district headquarters.
Sawal Madhopur and Baran are the Worst Hit
Sawai Madhopur and Baran districts are the most affected by the heavy rainfall. Sawai Madhopur has been experiencing continuous torrential rain for the past two days, leading to the complete closure of the national highway connecting to Madhya Pradesh. Several areas of the city are submerged in three to four feet of water, completely disrupting traffic and making it difficult for people to go outside.
The situation in Baran district is even more critical. Continuous rainfall for the past three days has created flood-like conditions in the city as well as in rural areas. Many villages and towns have been cut off from the district headquarters, roads are flooded, and many markets are submerged. In response, the district administration has declared holidays in schools until August 2nd.
Water Enters Shops
The main intersections and markets in Baran city are submerged in up to three feet of water. Many shops in low-lying areas have been flooded, causing heavy losses to businesses. The waterlogging is so severe that it has become difficult to walk on many roads. Municipal council teams are working to drain the water, but the continuous rain is preventing the situation from being brought under control.
Rivers Overflowing
The three major rivers in Baran district—the Kalisindh, Parvati, and Parwan—are flowing above the danger level. Eighteen small and large dams, ponds, and rivers in the district are overflowing, exacerbating the waterlogging situation in many areas. The b currents have washed away or damaged culverts in several places. On NH-27 in the Shahabad area, up to three feet of water is flowing, causing the highway to be closed and long queues of vehicles to form on both sides.
Power Crisis in Rural Areas
The situation is even worse in rural areas. Fields have turned into ponds, and the Samraniya power grid station has been submerged in water, causing power outages in surrounding villages for two days. In Kelwara and surrounding settlements, water has entered homes, washing away people's food and supplies. Dozens of families have suffered heavy losses and have been forced to take shelter in safe places.
Administration Takes Charge
The district administration in Baran district is fully active. On the instructions of Collector Rohitashwa Singh Tomar, all departments have been put on alert. ADM Shahabad Jabar Singh visited Biloda Mamli village to assess the situation. Meanwhile, border villages are being evacuated due to the potential breach of the Kalora pond in Madhya Pradesh.
The administration has appealed to people not to leave their homes unnecessarily during heavy rains and to remain vigilant. Arrangements are being made for affected people to stay, eat, and receive necessary supplies in temporary relief camps. Disaster management teams are deployed and fully prepared to deal with any emergency.
