According to the Chitrakoot Police, drone cameras are being utilised to monitor the flood-affected areas
CHITRAKOOT: The Mandakini River in Chitrakoot rose around six metres above the maximum flood level following heavy rain, triggering a flood-like situation in low-lying areas, even as Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav visited the affected region on Saturday and reviewed relief and rescue operations.
Yadav interacted with flood-affected residents at a shelter run by the Chitrakoot Development Authority and assured them of all possible assistance. He also said there had been considerable damage but no loss of life.
"The flood has caused considerable damage. There has been no loss of life. I have met with the flood victims. I have also brought all the administrative officials here. These officials will stay here for 2-3 days and are issuing instructions to manage the challenges following the flood...," he said.
Satna collector Satish Kumar said the district had received 10 to 12 cm of rainfall within three to four hours across most areas, causing rivers and streams to swell, ANI reported.
"Regarding the Mandakini River in Chitrakoot, the water level rose to about six metres above the maximum flood level. While the situation is currently normalising, the high water levels caused damage to some houses and shops in certain areas," Kumar said.
The Chitrakoot administration had earlier been put on high alert after the sharp rise in the Mandakini’s water level created a flood-like situation around Ram Ghat and Nirmohi Akhada. Chitrakoot Police deployed drone cameras to monitor the affected areas and track the river’s water flow.
"Due to the rising water levels of the Mandakini River, a flood-like situation has arisen in the Ram Ghat and Nirmohi Akhada areas. In view of this situation, under the directions of Chitrakoot's Superintendent of Police Shri Arun Kumar Singh, the Chitrakoot Police has conducted surveillance of the flood-affected areas using drone cameras," the police said in a post on X.
The district magistrate said the situation was under control and that precautionary measures had been intensified in view of the rising water levels.
"Considering the current situation at Ramghat, the district administration is taking all necessary precautionary measures. NDRF and SDRF teams are actively engaged in rescue operations at the scene. The administration is continuously monitoring the situation. Currently, the situation is under control," the DM said.
"The residents of the district are appealed to follow the administration's instructions and avoid going near the river and ghats."
Rescue operations have been expanded across Satna district, where more than 350 people have been rescued from flood-like conditions. In Chitrakoot, an Army helicopter rescued two people and transported them to safety. The district administration has also asked people in affected areas to move to temporary shelters.
"The water level will rise higher than where you are currently. As the water level continues to rise, you will find yourselves in a dangerous situation. Therefore, please move to the temporary shelters set up by the administration and take refuge," the advisory said.
Four relief camps have been set up in Chitrakoot, while 10 are operating across the district. More than 500 people stayed in the camps overnight, officials said.
In Birsinghpur, SDRF personnel rescued a man identified as Ashok Dohar after he was surrounded by water. Tehsildar Shailendra Sharma, Naib Tehsildar Jyoti Patel and other officials were present during the operation. The Municipal Corporation has also been making announcements in Jignahat and Kriplapur about temporary shelter arrangements in Najirabad and Kriplapur.
The DM and SP inspected relief and rescue arrangements in the affected areas. Essential supplies, including food, medicines and other items, were distributed among affected and stranded residents.
"The District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police personally inspected the relief and rescue operations in the flood-affected areas. Food supplies, medicines, and other essential items were delivered to the affected and stranded people," Chitrakoot Police said.
"NDRF and SDRF teams are continuously engaged in rescue operations, safely evacuating stranded pilgrims and other individuals from river and flood-affected areas and transporting them to safe locations. The district administration is maintaining constant vigilance over the situation and taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of every individual," the police statement read.
Yadav was accompanied by Chitrakoot MLA Surendra Singh Gaharwar and Rewa commissioner Shailendra Singh during his visit. The chief minister said administrative officials would remain in the area for the next two to three days to oversee relief measures. The district administration continues to monitor the Mandakini and other water bodies, with rescue teams deployed on the ground and authorities prepared to respond to any further emergency.
