Ranchi, Sep 26 (PTI) Incessant rain disrupted normal life in Jharkhand on Saturday, inundating low-lying areas, affecting vehicle movement and pushing several rivers above danger levels, officials said.
People were seen wading through knee-deep water in some areas, while several vehicles were stranded on waterlogged roads.
At least six flights, including three arrivals and three departures, were cancelled at Birsa Munda Airport due to the inclement weather, an official said.
Schools remained closed in several districts, including Ranchi and Jamshedpur, following orders issued by the respective district administrations.
The incessant rain since September 23 triggered flood-like situations in several districts, with rivers flowing above danger levels at various places.
In East Singhbhum district, Subernarekha river was flowing 2.02 metres above the danger level, while Kharkai river was 4.50 metres above the danger mark.
Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Ranjan on Saturday urged people to avoid riverbanks and move to safer places.
“The water level of the Subernarekha and Kharkai rivers is above the danger mark. Citizens are urged not to go near the riverbanks, to take shelter in safe high places, and to follow the instructions of the district administration. Stay alert, stay safe!” Ranjan posted on X.
The water level at Kanke Dam, also known as Gonda Dam, in Ranchi reached 27.05 feet against its capacity of 28 feet, another official said.
Water levels also rose significantly in Ranchi’s Hatia and Getalsud dams, he said.
The incessant rain damaged standing crops, including paddy and vegetables, in several parts of the state.
Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri directed officials to conduct a detailed survey of the damage caused by the rainfall in their respective areas.
The district agriculture officer was asked to assess crop damage across the district and submit a report at the earliest, detailing the affected area, number of farmers affected and estimated losses.
Weather conditions are expected to improve from Sunday as the system is likely to weaken.
“The depression over northeast Madhya Pradesh and adjoining north moved north-northwestwards. Continuing to move further north-northwestwards, it is very likely to weaken gradually into a well-marked low-pressure area during the subsequent 12 hours,” the India Meteorological Department said in a bulletin.
The widespread rainfall brought Jharkhand’s rain deficit down to one per cent on Saturday.
The state received 991.3 mm of rainfall between June 1 and September 26, against the normal of 999.7 mm.
However, eight districts are still facing deficit rainfall, with Pakur at the top with a 50 per cent shortfall, followed by Chatra at 36 per cent and Sahibganj at 34 per cent.
The IMD considers a deviation of 19 per cent rainfall as normal.
Eleven districts have registered a surplus rainfall, with West Singhbhum recording the highest at 49 per cent, Seraikela-Kharsawan at 23 per cent and Ranchi at 19 per cent. PTI SAN BDC SAN MNB
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