Continuous Rain Pushes River Levels Higher, Panic Grips Low-Lying Areas
Key Points:
- Kharkai and Subarnarekha rivers flow above the danger mark in Jamshedpur
- Chandil Dam opens 13 gates, Odisha’s Barbil Dam releases water too
- DC places JNAC, Mango and Jugsalai municipal bodies on high alert
JAMSHEDPUR – The threat of flooding has resurfaced in Jamshedpur as incessant rainfall pushed the city’s two major rivers, the Kharkai and Subarnarekha, above their danger marks.
Residents of low-lying areas along the riverbanks are gripped by fear as the water continues to rise. The district administration has urged people living in these vulnerable pockets to move to safer locations without delay.
Officials are using public address systems across several localities to alert residents. Meanwhile, authorities have begun evacuating affected settlements wherever necessary.
According to reports, four gates of Odisha’s Barbil Dam have been opened to release excess water. In addition, 13 gates of the Chandil Dam in Seraikela-Kharsawan have been opened by half a metre each.
The release of water from these dams has caused a sharp rise in river levels. This development has heightened fears of flooding across the region.
Days of intermittent heavy rainfall across the Kolhan region have now produced visible consequences. Water has already entered several riverside settlements, and the local administration is monitoring the situation closely.
A similar pattern of rising water levels was reported in neighbouring Seraikela, where the Kharkai and Sanjay rivers submerged an old culvert under five feet of water earlier this week. Officials said the current situation echoes those earlier warnings.
The district’s deputy commissioner has directed all three municipal bodies, the Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee, the Mango Municipal Corporation and the Jugsalai Municipal Council, to remain on high alert. Departments linked to disaster management have also been instructed to stay prepared for any emergency.
However, the administration has appealed to residents not to pay heed to rumours and to rely only on official information. Meanwhile, similar flood-response efforts were seen earlier this week when officials visited Mango to assess waterlogging and issue relief instructions.
Volunteers linked to political groups have also joined relief work in the city. Supporters of Saryu Roy were seen assisting flood-affected residents late into the night earlier this week.
In view of the warning issued by the Meteorological Department, the coming hours are being described as challenging for the administration. Officials say they are prepared to respond as the situation develops.
