Rain throws life out of gear in Rajasthan

Heavy rain over the past 24 hours has thrown life out of gear at several places in Rajasthan. Many districts in the state are facing almost flood-like situations. 

According to reports, as many as four people have been killed while dozens have been rescued from floodwaters in various divisions of the state. Districts like Ajmer, Bhilwara, Bara, Karauli, Kota and Tonk were the worst-affected. Four villages in the Karauli district of eastern Rajasthan were evacuated due to heavy water-logging.

Heavy rain has been predicted in the next 24 hours, especially in the Bharatpur, Jaipur, Ajmer and Kota divisions. “Heavy rainfall can also take place in the aftermath of a low-pressure belt that was created a few days ago,” said a senior official of the Meteorological department.

Kota district administration officials said high alert was sounded in areas near the Chambal river, which passes through Kota and Dholpur. 

In Sawai Madhopur, six people were seriously injured when a portion of a community hall collapsed over them. Three of them have been referred to Sawai Mansingh Hospital in Jaipur. On the Kota-Jaipur highway, at least 11 people were trapped in a temple near the flooded Mangali river. 

Similar situations were seen in the Bundi, Udaipur, Tonk and Karauli districts, but the district administrations had everything under control.

Met department officials said 88 dams in the state have started overflowing, as a result of which most parts of the state are not facing the danger of drought. People in Jaipur woke up to heavy rain on Friday, which continued throughout the day. In last two days, the city has already received over 55 mm of rainfall.