Eight killed in rain-related mishaps as flood situation remains grim in Rajasthan

The flood situation continued to be grim in more than half a dozen districts of Rajasthan even as relief and rescue works were in full swing in the affected area in Karauli, Tonk, Bundi, Sawai Madhopur and Kota.

Meanwhile, eight persons were killed in rain-related mishaps, four in Nagaur, two each in Bhilwara and Jhalawar 2 on Sunday while three others remained untraced in Tonk. A car with two persons aboard fell in the Kali Sindh river in Gagron (Jhalawar) killing both occupants.

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The Army and the Air Force were on high alert to help the NDRF and SDRF rescuers in relief and rescue operations.

Army rescuers are already at work in association with the NDRF, SDRF, Civil Defence sleuths in Kota and Bundi and Sawai Madhopur. Army teams are also deployed in the Tonk district for relief and rescue operations as per the need.

Official sources said in Kota that an Air Force MI-17 helicopter has been deployed there for use in providing relief or rescue to people trapped in flooded areas of Kota and Bundi. The Air Force was also on ready mode for flying more helicopters for relief to people in distress.

The Banas River is in spate in the Tonk, the Sawai Madhopur and Karauli districts intensifying the flood woes of the denizens. Kanthada village of the Karauli district is cut off by flood waters of the Banas, the Morel, and another river of the Arawali terrain from all sides.

District Collector Neelabh Saxena deployed rescuers of the SDRF and Civil Defence at the village situated along the inter-district border with Sawai Madhopur and Harauti for evacuation of more than 160 stranded villagers to safer places.

Besides the two rivers, a huge discharge from the Kali Sindh Dam (Sapotara) and Panchana Dam is worsening the situation for rescuers. Due to the flood in Kali Sindh water level has risen above eight feet, the maximum permissible level. Huge water was released into the Gambhiri river through the four floodgates of Panchana Dam.

Meanwhile, Sawai Madhopur remained the most affected with most of the localities of the old city, railway station. More than 15 surrounding villages have been submerged and half a dozen vital road routes closed.

In Jadawata village of the district, the Army has joined in the rescue operations to deal with the situation arising in the wake of major soil erosion through the village that damaged some houses and threatened demolition of the village temple and many houses.

In the Lakheri region of Bundi 25 denizens were rescued from Dadwada-Gangapuriya, the villages which were flooded by the Mej river. With the Banas flowing above danger mark two youths and a woman was trapped in the surging waters in Tonk. Efforts to rescue them were on.

Incessant rains in the Shahbad area of the Baran district worsened the situation damaging several houses.

In Nagaur a rain-soaked house collapsed near the old city bus stand, killing two persons and injuring as many others. Many houses were partially damaged. In another incident, two persons were killed in Bhilwara due to wall collapse.

Agriculture and Disaster Relief Minister Dr Kirodi Lal Meena was visiting the affected areas in Sawai Madhopur, including the Jadawata village.

The Kota Open University has deferred the examinations.