Jharkhand Rains Trigger Flash Flood Alert In 10 Districts, Rivers Cross Red Mark

Jharkhand is bracing for a difficult spell of weather as heavy to very heavy rain lashed several parts of the state, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a flash flood warning for 10 districts and caution authorities about rising water levels.

The warning covers Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla, Khunti, Saraikela-Kharsawan, West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum and Simdega and remains in effect until Wednesday morning. The IMD has also forecast widespread rainfall and overcast skies in the state through September 5.

Rainfall was particularly intense in several areas. Dumaria in East Singhbhum recorded 217 mm of rain since Monday, the highest in the state, followed by Dumri in Giridih with 162.2 mm and Mahuadawar in Latehar with 146.2 mm.

The weather office issued a red alert for very heavy rainfall in Garhwa, Palamu, Simdega and West Singhbhum, while an orange alert was issued for Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla, Khunti and Saraikela-Kharsawan.

The situation was especially concerning in Jamshedpur, where the Kharkhai and Subarnarekha rivers crossed their red marks following incessant rain and increased water discharge from dams in Odisha and Jharkhand. The Kharkhai at Adityapur Bridge was flowing at 133.10 metres, 4.10 metres above the danger level, while the Subarnarekha stood at 122.60 metres against a red mark of 121.50 metres.

Authorities urged residents of low-lying areas to move to safer locations as the possibility of flooding and waterlogging increased.

The IMD has warned that the weather could remain unsettled, with northwestern districts including Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra and Latehar expected to receive heavy rain on Wednesday. Several other parts of the state may see similar conditions on Thursday and Friday, accompanied by winds of 30-40 kmph.

Amid the heightened risk, the Garhwa administration ordered all schools to remain closed on September 2 and 3. Teachers and other staff, however, have been directed to report to schools for non-academic duties.