What Impact Did Heavy Rains Have in Rajasthan?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 12 fatalities reported due to rain-related incidents.
- Six individuals missing in Chambal River.
- Closure of schools in Kota and Pali districts.
- Severe damage reported in Pali district.
- Authorities remain on high alert for further rainfall.
Jaipur, July 14 (NationPress) Intense rainfall across Rajasthan on Monday led to flood-like conditions in numerous districts, resulting in 12 confirmed fatalities from drowning, lightning strikes, and other rain-related incidents.
Six individuals who went for a picnic in Kota are reported missing in the Chambal River as of this report. Consequently, local authorities declared a holiday in Kota and Pali. The districts severely impacted include Chittorgarh (4 deaths), Pratapgarh (3), Churu (2), Kota (1), Bharatpur (1), and Pali (1).
A significant event near the Chambal River in Kota saw seven people swept away by the strong waters close to the Biraj Mataji Temple in Nimoda Hariji village. One individual, Banshilal Meghwal (40), was rescued by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), while six others remain unaccounted for. Rescue operations are ongoing, according to officials. In another tragic incident in Bandha Dharampura (Kota), a young woman was swept away along with her scooter by the powerful current.
Although SDRF members successfully retrieved her and rushed her to a hospital, she was later pronounced dead.
The city of Jaipur remained clouded throughout the day, experiencing light to moderate rainfall in several areas. The highest rainfall in the city was recorded at 52 mm in Madhorajpura, followed by Dudu (37 mm) and Fagi (35 mm).
The ongoing rains have lowered the maximum temperature to 28.6°C.
In contrast, Pali district faced severe rain-related devastation, with soil erosion beneath railway tracks affecting train services. Moreover, low-lying areas in Kota experienced extensive waterlogging, inundating residential neighborhoods.
In light of the persistent rainfall and a red alert issued by the Meteorological Department, all government and private educational institutions in Kota and Pali districts will remain closed on July 15. In the Nilia Mahadev waterfall area of Chittorgarh (near Bassi police station), a picnic turned deadly when three nursing students from Chanderia Nursing College drowned.
Initially, authorities were alerted to a singular drowning incident, but upon arrival, they discovered three mobile phones and clothing in a bag, confirming the loss of three individuals. Additionally, a child lost their life after falling into a drain in Rawatbhata.
As per the Meteorological Centre, Jaipur, Rajasthan has seen 102% more rainfall than the seasonal average thus far. From June 1 to July 13, the anticipated average rainfall was 107.3 mm, whereas the actual recorded rainfall this year has reached 216.8 mm.
In the last 24 hours, several districts experienced exceptionally high rainfall. Bhainsrodgarh (Chittorgarh) logged the highest at 174 mm, with Bijolia (Bhilwara) at 172 mm, Duni (Tonk) at 146 mm, Niwi at 104 mm, Sayra (Udaipur) at 94 mm, Rishabhdev at 67 mm, Muklawa (Ganganagar) at 97 mm, and Rajsamand city at 86 mm. Mandana (Kota) also recorded 111 mm.
Various other regions across Ajmer, Balotra, Bundi, Bharatpur, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, and Sikar saw rainfall between 1-2 inches. Authorities are on high alert, with emergency response teams deployed in vulnerable areas and advisories issued to refrain from traveling near water bodies.