40% of Indore under knee-deep water; 3000 people evacuated

About 3,000 people from low-lying areas of Indore have been evacuated to safer locations after heavy rains continued to pound the city since late on Tuesday evening.

About 3,000 people from low-lying areas of Indore have been evacuated to safer locations after heavy rains continued to pound the city since late on Tuesday evening.

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District collector P Narahari has issued a high alert warning for low-lying areas, including areas along the banks of Kahn and Saraswati rivers, major nullahs and around major lakes in the city. He has also appealed to the public to not venture into low-lying areas or near water bodies.

The heavy downpour, which started on Tuesday evening and continued through Wednesday, has created a flood-like situation, with about 40% of the city under knee-deep water.

Officials of the district administration and the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) began rescue efforts late at night on Tuesday and evacuated as many as 3,000 people from low-lying areas.

Also, the district administration and civic body are attempting to reach out to people and offer help with choked drains, clogged roads and broken power lines, thought they have been put on back with the incessant rain.

Residents of Nandbagh Colony, Kushwaha Nagar, Geeta Nagar, Indira Gandhi Nagar, Bajrang Nagar, Gadda Basti, Vinoba Bhave Nagar, Kulkarni Ka Bhatta, CP Shekhar Nagar and New Sunder Nagar have so far been evacuated.

After conducting a physical inspection of the affected areas on Wednesday morning, municipal commissioner Manish Singh said, "The rainwater has inundated about 40% of city area. The water has entered houses in many areas... We have put all our officials and staff on constant vigil to handle any type of situation that arises due to the turbulent weather."

The city had experienced a similar situation about a week ago, but the administration and civic body appear to be better prepared for damage control this time around.

"Such high intensity rain renders everyone helpless. A lot of damage of property has been reported in many areas of the city," municipal commissioner Singh said. "To handle situations like these, we need to increase the discharge capacity of our rivers and major nullahs in the city."

Improper drainage facility has exacerbated the problem of flooding of roads. The 11.3km BRTS stretch on AB Road has been inundated, making daily commute of thousands a nightmare.