Rajasthan, known for its arid conditions, has been witnessing torrential rain. Rivers that usually run shallow have swelled, disrupting normal life, damaging roads, and cutting off regions. According to the Central Water Commission, three stations in the state have reported water levels above the danger mark; one is above the warning.

At the Baranwada station in Sawai Madhopur district, water levels crossed the danger mark of 198 metres on the morning of August 24. Between August 22 and 25, water levels surged by 4.02m. Around 30 villages are submerged and cut off from the main city due to these extreme conditions.

The situation at Lakheri station in Bundi district observed water 6m above the danger mark. Between August 22 and 25, water levels surged by 9m, reaching 210.9m. A 50-year-old woman reportedly died after she was swept away by strong currents of floodwaters in the district.

Dhaulpur station also showed extreme conditions, with waters flowing 7m above the danger mark. Meanwhile, in Kota district’s Barod station, levels fluctuated between the danger mark (215m) and the warning mark (210m).

Meanwhile, a sudden rise was witnessed at the Khandiovari station in Udaipur, where waters touched the “high flood levels” mark. As of 7 am on August 25, water levels were normal. Between 8 am and 11 am, however, there was a steep rise. The water level here breached the extreme flood mark of 272.2m. The last time this happened was in 2019.

The Indian Air Force has deployed Mi-17 helicopters to rescue affected people. The National and State Disaster Response Forces, along with the Indian Army, are carrying out various operations to tackle the situation. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who is also an MP from Kota, visited the affected area. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma reviewed relief and rescue efforts.

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