Severe Weather Alert for Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is bracing for five days of thunderstorms, lightning, heavy to very heavy rainfall, and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph, according to a press release issued by the Meteorological Centre, Bhopal, on Sunday. The alert has been issued till August 26. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of widespread activity across the state, with the most intense conditions expected in parts of eastern and central Madhya Pradesh.
Rainfall Recorded and Warnings
In the 24 hours ending 8:30 a.m. on August 23, several places recorded significant rainfall, with eastern areas receiving up to 98 mm in Gohpal, 85.6 mm in Jaitahari, 85 mm in Budhar, and 82 mm in Baihar. Heavy rainfall was already reported in Shahdol, Anuppur, Balaghat, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Tikamgarh, and Satna districts, while gusty winds reached 39 kmph in Tikamgarh and 35 kmph in Hoshangabad.
The IMD has issued alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours, with Dindori and Balaghat placed under an orange alert, where 4 to 8 inches of rain is possible. A heavy rain warning has also been issued for Vidisha, Sagar, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Betul, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Narsinghpur, Damoh, Seoni, Jabalpur, Mandla, Katni, Umaria, Shahdol, Anuppur, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi, and Chhatarpur. Other districts, including Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, and several others, may receive light to heavy rainfall at different places.
The forecast for the next five days indicates isolated very heavy rain in districts such as Dindori, Balaghat, Narmadapuram, Jabalpur, Narsinghpur, Mandla, Damoh, and Sagar, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
Weather Expert's Outlook
Weather expert Shailendra Kumar Nayak said heavy rainfall is likely to continue in parts of Madhya Pradesh until August 27, including in some western areas. According to the IMD, the state has received 629.8 mm (24.8 inches) of rainfall so far this monsoon season, which is around 3 inches less than the normal of 707.3 mm (27.8 inches). This represents an overall deficit of about 11%, with eastern Madhya Pradesh recording an 8% deficit and western Madhya Pradesh a 14% deficit.
Chief Minister Reviews Relief Operations
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav arrived directly from Delhi in Rewa on Sunday and inspected flood-affected areas. He reviewed the excessive rainfall and ongoing relief and rescue operations in the Rewa-Shahdol and Jabalpur divisions with elected representatives and officials. He issued directions for immediate assistance, including food, water, and medical aid in relief camps, special medical camps in flood-hit villages and urban wards, chlorination of drinking water sources, and swift restoration of electricity supply.
A special cleanliness campaign has been ordered, and an immediate survey of crop damage has been directed so that seeds and other assistance can be provided to affected farmers. The Chief Minister also ordered veterinary teams for treatment of animals, scientific disposal of dead animals to prevent epidemics, and adequate fodder arrangements in cow shelters. Authorities have been asked to remain on high alert.
Advisory and Possible Impacts
The IMD has listed possible impacts including waterlogging in low-lying areas, sudden rise in river levels, damage to weak structures, disruption of power and transport, and risk to life, livestock, and standing crops. Advisories urge people to stay indoors during storms, avoid open fields and trees during lightning, keep temporary structures secured, and take precautions while travelling on waterlogged roads.
Bhopal received heavy rain on Sunday night, and in Lateri town of Vidisha district, heavy rainfall for about an hour led to waterlogging in the main market.