Heavy rains inundate Rajasthan, 12 dead; Train services disrupted

Widespread and incessant heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc across several districts in Rajasthan, leading to severe inundation, overflowing rivers, and a tragic toll of at least 12 rain-related deaths. The state administration is grappling with the flood-like situation, with Kota, Pali, Jalore, and Dholpur identified as the worst-affected regions. Casualties include a college student in Kota swept away by strong currents and two individuals in Jodhpur who died from electrocution.

The heavy downpour has significantly impacted transportation and daily life. In Jalore and Jodhpur, train services have been severely disrupted, with several routes, including between Marwar Junction and Luni, experiencing submerged tracks, leading to rescheduling and diversion of trains. The Sabarmati Express, connecting Jodhpur with Ahmedabad, was among the cancelled services. In Kota, the overflowing Chambal River, swollen by over two lakh cusecs of water released from the Kota barrage, has submerged low-lying colonies, leaving over 10,000 residents confined to their homes. Rescue operations are underway, with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) deploying boats to shift more than 150 people to safer areas.

Beyond Kota, the situation remains critical in other districts. In Pali, schools were closed due to overflowing seasonal rivers and extensive waterlogging in residential areas, prompting local officials to survey affected colonies by tractor. Dholpur has recorded 426 mm of rain, causing the Parvati River to overflow and severing road connectivity to over a dozen villages, with three people swept away. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has directed all district collectors to maintain high alert as the monsoon intensifies, with the weather department issuing a red alert for Pali, Kota, Jodhpur, Chittorgarh, Nagaur, and Ajmer, and an orange alert for Bhilwara, Sirohi, Baran, Tonk, and Bundi for the next 48 hours.