Bhopal/Rajgarh: Heavy rain lashed several parts of Madhya Pradesh on Monday, leaving five people dead in Rajgarh after a van was swept into a rain-swollen drain, while waterlogging and flooded roads disrupted normal life across the state.
The incident occurred in Padana town on the Pachore-Sarangpur road in Rajgarh district when the van carrying 11 people was swept into the Jhiri drain after the driver drove onto an under-construction bridge submerged in water, police said.
The occupants were travelling from Satwas in Dewas district to Kadlavad village. There were three men, four women and four children in the vehicle.
“Three people managed to get out. So far, five bodies have been recovered. The identities are yet to be confirmed,” a police officer said.
According to preliminary information, the driver failed to notice the incomplete bridge as rainwater was flowing over it. The vehicle was swept about 20 feet into the drain. A rescue operation led by SDM Rohit Bamhore and SDOP Arvind Singh was underway till late evening.
More details about the incident were awaited.
In another rescue in Rajgarh on Sunday, police and NDRF personnel evacuated saints and devotees stranded at Jal Mandir in Khilchipur after a sudden rise in the water level of the Gadganga River.
The downpour severely hit the state capital as well. Bhopal received around seven inches of rain in the last 24 hours, leading to waterlogging in several areas and traffic snarls. Schools were closed as a precautionary measure.
Minister Vishvas Sarang visited affected areas and directed officials to ensure relief measures and drain cleaning.
On the Bhopal-Bairasia road, traffic was halted after water started flowing over the Itkhedi bridge, while swollen rivers affected movement in the Bairasia area.
Several other districts also reported flooding. In Mandla, the Chhota Pul remained submerged despite a decline in the Narmada’s water level.
Water entered houses, shops and government buildings in Shajapur, Vidisha, Akodia, Salsalai and Raisen.
With rivers and streams continuing to swell, authorities remained engaged in rescue and relief operations across affected districts.
While the rain caused widespread disruption to daily life and transportation, farmers said the showers would benefit standing crops.
(IANS)
