Heavy rains cause extensive damage in MP, 2 killed

Bhopal, Aug 14 (UNI) Alarmed over the death of two children and the extensive damage caused by overnight heavy rains in the state capital and adjoining areas, the Madhya Pradesh government today requisitioned the Army to assist the civil administration in rescue and relief operations.

Army has been deployed in different localities of the city, Bhopal Collector S K Mishra told UNI today.

At least two children were killed and as many washed away in drains in the state capital.

Several collapsed following water logging in low lying areas as the city received record 30 cm rainfall overnight, breaking a 70 year record.

Twelve gates of the Bhadbhada dam on the city's Upper Lake had been opened after many years due to heavy inflow. Raisen, Vidisha and other districts, downstream, had been alerted following release of water from the dam.

The previous highest rainfall of 28 cm was registered on August 13, 1973, according to the meteorological office, which forecast heavy to heavy rainfall across the state except Gwalior and Indore divisions.

Besides water logging at many places, 'chakkajam' by slumdwellers agitated over house collapses in different areas left the road traffic haywire causing problems to office-goers.

Road, rail and air traffic also remain disrupted.

UNI Team-SP PR DS1255