Monsoonal hyperactivity in MP; 2 dead

Bhopal, Aug 6 (UNI) Even as monsoonal hyperactivity is causing downpours across western Madhya Pradesh, a 15-year-old precipitation record was shattered in Khargone that recorded more than five inches of rainfall in merely five hours since 1300 hrs today.

Two persons were killed in weather-linked incidents, three - including a woman -was swept away by floodwater and crops suffered extensive damage. Life was thrown off gear in Jhabua, Barwani and Dhar districts also where the Narmada, other rivers and nullahs are in spate.

''A low-pressure area exists in the vicinity of Indore and southwestern Madhya Pradesh is likely to receive downpours over the next 24 hours,'' Regional Meteorological Centre Director D P Dubey told UNI.

In Khargone district, Bhagwanpura block recorded 9 inches while the corresponding figure was 7 at Sengao. Three persons were swept away in the Mengaon river. The district headquarters remains cut off from Khandwa, Indore, Barwani, Sanawad, Kasrawad and Sendhwa for the second consecutive day.

''Directives have been issued to shift those residing along rivers in spate,'' said Collector S K Pal.

UNI SHD-AC LL RK2208