Madhya Pradesh is on high alert as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph across the state, with the alert period running until 26 August. The warning, issued by the Meteorological Centre, Bhopal, covers widespread districts and flags the most intense activity in eastern and central parts of the state.

Rainfall Recorded in Past 24 Hours

In the 24 hours ending 8:30 am on 23 August, several locations recorded significant rainfall. Gohpal in eastern Madhya Pradesh received the highest at 98 mm, followed by Jaitahari at 85.6 mm, Budhar at 85 mm, and Baihar at 82 mm. Heavy rain was also reported across Shahdol, Anuppur, Balaghat, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Tikamgarh, and Satna districts. Gusty winds reached 39 kmph in Tikamgarh and 35 kmph in Hoshangabad.

Five-Day Forecast: Districts on Watch

The IMD's five-day outlook flags isolated very heavy rain on different days in Dindori, Balaghat, Narmadapuram, Jabalpur, Narsinghpur, Mandla, Damoh, and Sagar, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Most remaining districts across the Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Chambal, Rewa, Shahdol, and Jabalpur divisions are under heavy rain or thunderstorm advisories with strong winds.

Possible impacts listed by the IMD include waterlogging in low-lying areas, sudden rises in river levels, damage to weak structures, disruption of power and transport links, and risk to life, livestock, and standing crops.

CM Mohan Yadav Reviews Relief Operations in Rewa

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav travelled directly from Delhi to Rewa on Sunday to inspect flood-affected areas and review ongoing relief and rescue operations across the Rewa-Shahdol and Jabalpur divisions alongside elected representatives and senior officials.

Yadav issued a series of directives for immediate action: ensuring food, water, and medical aid in relief camps; setting up special medical camps in flood-hit villages and urban wards; chlorinating drinking water sources; and restoring electricity supply without delay. A special cleanliness drive has also been ordered across affected areas.

Farmers, Animals, and Infrastructure in Focus

The Chief Minister ordered an immediate survey of crop damage so that seeds and other assistance can be provided to farmers as required. He also directed veterinary teams to treat injured animals, called for the scientific disposal of dead animals to prevent disease outbreaks, and mandated adequate fodder arrangements at cow shelters and similar facilities.

Emphasising that the safety of flood-affected people remains the government's top priority, Yadav said the administration is working with 'complete sensitivity and promptness' and that every affected family will receive support.

Public Advisories in Force

Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors during storms, avoid open fields and trees during lightning, secure temporary structures, and exercise caution on waterlogged roads. Officials across all affected districts have been placed on high alert as the weather system is expected to continue influencing the state over the coming days.