Heavy rain plays havoc in MP

Bhopal, Aug 6 (UNI) Heavy rain played havoc in western Madhya Pradesh as two persons died and five were injured in weather-related incidents due to downpours since the past two days in Barwani district.

Jugnibai (8) was killed and five people injured when the wall of a house collapsed in Silawad area last night, while farmer Nana (55) died following heart attack, as his crops were destroyed.

Transport was thrown off gear with Rajpur, Khargone, Palsud, Silawad, Pansemal and Nevali areas being cut off since last night.

The Narmada's level at the Sardar Sarovar dam crossed the danger mark of 123.280 m and reached 123.400 m at Rajghat, five km from western MP's Barwani district.

At least 12 villages were surrounded with water, as the Narmada level crossed danger mark of 119 m and reached 121.44 m in western Madhya Pradesh's Jhabua district.

The district administration evacuated 29 families to relief shelters in view of heavy rains and rising water level. Six ponds had been damaged in Alirajpur, Thandla and Udaigarh blocks.

The district had recorded 757 mm rainfall so far affecting 'jowar' crops.

Dhar Collector Shriram Kinkar Gupta said Dharmpur turned out to be the wettest place in the district recording five inches rainfall.

A flood-like situation existed in Khujneri river and seven houses collapsed in the area. Residents were evacuated to safer places.

He said four houses had collapsed in Dasana area and one in Khujneri area due to water from the Sardar Sarovar Dam and residents had shifted to hilly regions.

Meteorological department predicted heavy rains in Indore, Ujjain, Bhopal and Hoshangabad besides Gwalior-Chambal division in next 24 hours.

Chief amounts of overnight rainfall were Bhainsdehi (8 cm), Alirajpur (7), Badwani (6), Jobat (5), Petlawad (6) Jhabua (3), Indore (1), Pachmarhi (1) and Shajapur (1).

UNI Team-PS 1558