Flood situation improves in western MP

Bhopal, Aug 9 (UNI) The flood situation in western Madhya Pradesh eased to some extent with break in rains today even as the death toll in rain-related incidents in the last five days touched 22.

Four people died and eight were injured in rain-related incidents in Ratlam, while one person was washed away in 'Chilar' river in Shajapur district headquarters.

Rail-traffic was hit with railway tracks, between Mangalmodi and Usra stations under the Ratlam railway division, being submerged.

Some trains were halted at nearby stations and given the green signal after one-and-half hours when the water receded.

Rain-related incidents had claimed 14 lives in Barwani, two in Jhabua and one in Burhanpur in the past five-six days.

More than 3,000 houses collapsed, several bridges damaged and over 250 cattle perished in flood-hit districts of Barwani, Khargone, Jhabua and Burhanpur. Assessment of loss was in progress for distribution of relief, official sources said.

Telephone network was restored in Barwani after 72 hours.

However, it would take time for life to return to normal.

Traffic was thrown off gear in Dhar after water started flowing above bridges. However, normalcy had returned.

The district administration had shifted 25 families in the submergent zone to safer locations, while 56 families were lodged in eight relief camps. The district received 29 inches rainfall so far.

Disruption in road, electricity and telephone network was reported in western part of the state.

Narmada and other rivers are in spate inundating several low-lying villages while the weather office forecast heavy rains across the state in next 24 hours.

During last 24 hours, Mandsaur recorded the highest 17 cm rainfall, while all districts in western part were lashed by heavy rains.

UNI Team-PS PR KP2128