Rain mayhem in Madhya Pradesh: Six killed, thousands marooned

BHOPAL: Two children were among six people killed as torrential rains continued to pound Madhya Pradesh for the third consecutive day, triggering floods in several parts and forcing evacuation of thousands of people, especially in south-eastern region of the state. At least 100 villages have been marooned till Wednesday.
With rivers flowing close to the danger mark in several districts, a flood alert has been sounded in 51 districts of the state and the army has been asked to be on standby.Bagh, Tapti, Betwa, Narmada, Machna, Ajnal and Ganjal rivers have breached their banks. Evacuations have begun on a war-footing.
Nine villages of Balaghat district were cut off after gushing waters of Bagh river flooded several areas. Marooned villagers were evacuated to government shelters.
Harda and Burhanpur districts bore the brunt of nature's fury and remained cut-off from rest of the state for the second day after flash floods and flooded streams damaged surface communication. National highway-59 was inundated, paralysing traffic for several hours.
Heavy rainfall has been predicted at a few places over west and at isolated places on eastern part. There is also a forecast of thundershowers in western and eastern parts of the state.
Power supply to rural areas has been affected due to uprooting of supply lines and power poles and almost one lakh people are without electricity. Officials said it would take another 12 hours to restore supply.
Two children were killed in a house collapse at Lal Ghati area in the state capital on Monday. Another youth was washed away with his bike while crossing an overflowing bridge in Betul district where landslides continue to hit blocking highways leading to Nagpur.
School holidays have been declared at majority of the districts of the state. Officials confirmed loss of property worth lakhs and two human casualties.
As per the official report of the state government's control room, 21 districts received rainfalls above average.