Chhattisgarh Floods: 5,000 Rescued Amid Swelling Rivers and Dam Releases

Over 5,000 people have been rescued and shifted to temporary relief camps across Chhattisgarh, as intense flooding, triggered by continued water inflow from upstream areas and dam releases, continues to wreak havoc. Despite a decrease in heavy rainfall, the situation remains critical, particularly in the Bastar region and other low-lying areas, with one death and several people still missing following the recent deluge. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) have been actively conducting rescue operations, including airlifting stranded residents from severely affected districts like Bastar and Bijapur. The flood-like conditions across multiple districts, including Dhamtari, Durg, Raipur, Bilaspur, and Balodabazar-Bhatapara, were significantly worsened by the impact of Cyclone Arnab, which caused widespread torrential rains. Key rivers such as the Indravati and Mahanadi have swollen dangerously, with the Indravati rising more than four meters above its danger mark in Jagdalpur. Authorities in Chhattisgarh were forced to open all 14 gates of the Gangrel Dam, while the Hirakud Dam in neighboring Odisha also opened gates to manage rising water levels in the Mahanadi river basin, sending significant discharges downstream and prompting fresh flood alerts across both states. This has led to the inundation of numerous villages, widespread crop damage, and disruption of crucial road connectivity, isolating many communities. With relief efforts ongoing, district administrations are maintaining high alert, continuously monitoring water levels and coordinating further evacuation as needed. Schools remain closed in eight districts, and advisories are being issued to prevent residents from venturing into waterlogged areas or near swollen rivers. The focus now shifts to managing the extensive water discharge from dams and ensuring the safety and well-being of the displaced population in the coming days, as the region grapples with the aftermath and potential for further escalation in downstream areas.