Heavy rain alert in Madhya Pradesh as IMD forecasts thunderstorms, strong winds

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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. India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for widespread districts across the state, with the most intense activity expected in parts of eastern and central Madhya Pradesh.

In the past 24 hours ending 8:30 a.m. on August 23, several places recorded significant rain, with eastern areas of Gohpal receiving 98 mm, Jaitahari 85.6 mm, Budhar 85 mm and Baihar 82 mm. Heavy rainfall was already reported in Shahdol, Anuppur, Balaghat, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Tikamgarh and Satna districts. Gusty winds reached 39 kmph in Tikamgarh and 35 kmph in Hoshangabad.

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 on different days, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Most other districts across Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Chambal, Rewa, Shahdol and Jabalpur divisions are under warnings for heavy rain or thunderstorm activity with strong winds.

Madhya Pradesh 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.

The Chief Minister issued clear directions for immediate assistance to those affected. He instructed officials to ensure food, water and medical aid in relief camps, set up special medical camps in flood-hit villages and urban wards, chlorinate drinking water sources, and restore electricity supply swiftly.

A special cleanliness campaign has been ordered. He also directed an immediate survey of crop damage so that seeds and other assistance can be provided to farmers as required. Emphasising that the safety of flood-affected people remains the top priority, the Chief Minister said the government stands with every affected family and is working with complete sensitivity and promptness.

He further ordered veterinary teams to be sent for treatment of animals, scientific disposal of dead animals to prevent epidemics, and adequate fodder arrangements in cow shelters and similar facilities.

Authorities have been asked to remain on high alert as the weather system continues to influence the state over the coming days. 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.

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