Rains claim more than 54 lives in Madhya Pradesh

Excess rainfall and consequent flooding has claimed lives of 54 people in different parts of Madhya Pradesh during last two months, while 10 are still missing and feared dead, a government statement has said.

Besides, 105 cattle have also perished and almost 10,000 houses have been damaged, 829 of them completely, due to the downpour, according to the official statement.

Eight districts have been impacted by the excess rain and maximum deaths (19) have been reported from Sehore district (see below).

During the past two months since the onset of rainy season, the state has experienced at least four episodes of heavy rainfall. The last of them concluded only this weekend and even now some parts of the state, especially extreme west MP, are experiencing rainfall, though not too heavy.

The Met office has predicted fresh spell of heavy rainfall from Thursday or Friday, once a deep depression system over Bay of Bengal starts moving.

"Currently, the system is stationary over the Bay, but is expected to start moving by Thursday. Fresh spell of rain would hit east MP first and then cover other parts," said an official of the department.

EXCESS RAIN

As of now (July 29 morning), the state has on an average received 17% extra rainfall having recorded 486.3mm of rainfall against expected 414.6mm (from June 1). Bhopal district has received 49% excess rainfall (639.9mm against 430mm expected rainfall), while Indore has been deluged by 120% excess rain (818.3mm against expected 371.6mm).

However, 10 districts of Madhya Pradesh are still facing deficient rainfall situation. The highest deficit of 40% is in Anuppur district followed by 39% deficit in Burhanpur district.

DEATHS AND DESTRUCTION

District Deaths Houses collapsed/damaged

Rajgarh 9 860

Sehore 19 (5 missing) 1809

Raisen 6 (2 missing) 400

Dewas 1 2541

Ujjain 4 2553

Shajapur 6 319

Agar Malwa 3 740

Ratlam 6 (3 missing) 560