Heavy Rains Trigger Flood-Like Situation in Southeastern Rajasthan, Red Alert Issued in Six Districts

Jaipur, July 30 — Torrential rainfall across southeastern Rajasthan has led to flood-like conditions, severely affecting normal life in several districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for six districts — Sawai Madhopur, Baran, Kota, Bundi, Jhalawar, and Pratapgarh — warning of intense rainfall on Wednesday.

A yellow alert has been issued for most of the remaining districts, excluding Bikaner, Jaisalmer, and Barmer. As a precautionary measure, local administration has declared a holiday in schools across 14 districts.

Sawai Madhopur submerged, rescue operations underway

In Sawai Madhopur, relentless downpour since late Tuesday night has inundated the city, with water levels rising up to five feet in several residential areas. The forceful water flow has caused vehicles parked on roads to pile up on one another. Rescue teams were deployed across various parts of the city on Wednesday morning to manage the situation.

Railway traffic has also been disrupted. Tracks at Sawai Madhopur railway station were submerged, causing delays and halts. Train number 22674 took 20 minutes to arrive at Platform 2, while trains 12979, 14814, and 12059 were stopped at the station’s outer section.

Bridge collapse cuts road link with Madhya Pradesh

At Bodal area, about 12 km from the Sawai Madhopur district headquarters, the Augad culvert on National Highway-552 was washed away due to heavy current. As a result, the Sawai Madhopur–Sheopur road is now completely closed, effectively severing road connectivity between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

It is noteworthy that this culvert was recently inspected by State Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma and Khandar MLA Jitendra Gothwal. The MLA had demanded immediate permission for its reconstruction, upon which the minister instructed officials to issue the necessary NOC. However, with the culvert now swept away, the route stands unofficially shut.

Continuous rains in Jaipur and other districts

In Jaipur, light showers have been continuing since Wednesday morning, leading to waterlogging and slowing down vehicular movement. In the last 24 hours, rainfall of 1 to 3 inches has been recorded in several districts including Baran, Bharatpur, Alwar, and Sawai Madhopur.

Due to heavy rainfall, water is being released continuously from multiple dams, causing rivers and streams to overflow. This has disrupted connectivity in many smaller villages and towns.

Weather system weakens but continues to pose challenges

According to the Jaipur Meteorological Centre, the weather system originating from the Bay of Bengal has now weakened into a low-pressure zone over Rajasthan, currently active in the southeastern region of the state. The monsoon trough line is currently passing through Sri Ganganagar and Delhi, indicating that the next 48 hours could remain challenging for Rajasthan.