Heavy rainfall triggered by a deep depression over central India has pushed several rivers in Chhattisgarh close to or above danger levels, leading to flood-like conditions in multiple districts, damage to infrastructure and rescue operations in affected areas. While the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a gradual decline in rainfall intensity across the state from Friday, heavy rain is still expected at isolated places in southern Chhattisgarh over the next 24 hours.

The rising water level of the Mahanadi River has created flood-like conditions in Raigarh district, particularly in Pusaur block, where villages including Surajgarh, Singhpuri, Changhori, Baradoli, Parsapali and Khafrapali have been affected by overflowing river water.

Rivers Swell, Villages Cut Off

Continuous rainfall over the past two days has significantly increased water levels in several rivers across the state. In Raipur, the Kharun River is flowing above the danger mark, prompting authorities to closely monitor vulnerable areas.

In Bastar division, a damaged culvert on National Highway-130 has disrupted connectivity to several villages, while movement on the Aranpur-Jagargunda road in Dantewada has been suspended due to the threat of landslides.

Bridge Collapse and Canal Damage Raise Concerns

In Gariaband district, a bridge under construction across the Udanti River collapsed on Thursday following heavy rainfall. The bridge, reportedly being built at a cost of around ₹9 crore, suffered extensive structural damage before completion.

Meanwhile, in Kanker district, a canal project worth approximately ₹15.5 crore reportedly developed major damage during the first spell of monsoon rains, raising questions over construction quality.

Rescue Operations Continue

Rescue teams remained active across flood-affected districts.

In Arang, six members of a family trapped inside their house after floodwater entered their village were safely rescued by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) using motorboats.

In Gariaband's Suhagpur Gothan, a family, including three children aged five, three and two years, remained stranded for nearly four hours before personnel from the State Disaster Response Force evacuated them safely.

Bodies Recovered After Search Operations

Search teams recovered the body of a 10-year-old boy who had been swept away in the Dheki River in Surajpur district. The child had gone missing two days earlier, and the body was located nearly 20–25 kilometres downstream after an extensive search operation by DDRF and police teams.

In another incident, rescue personnel recovered the bodies of a deputy sarpanch and his wife who were swept away while attempting to cross a flooded stream in Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district on July 26. Their submerged vehicle was located after an intensive search operation.

Rainfall Pattern Remains Uneven

According to official rainfall data, Chhattisgarh has received 477.8 mm of rainfall between June 1 and July 29, against the seasonal normal of 544.6 mm, leaving the state with an overall rainfall deficit of around 12 per cent. However, the IMD continues to classify the state's rainfall as within the normal range.

Rainfall distribution has varied considerably across districts. Sarangarh-Bilaigarh has recorded the highest rainfall this season with 769.1 mm, around 76 per cent above normal, while several districts continue to report rainfall deficits ranging between 20 and 59 per cent.

Rainfall Likely to Ease

The Meteorological Department said the deep depression responsible for the recent spell of heavy rain is moving westward, and rainfall intensity is expected to reduce gradually across most parts of the state.

However, heavy rainfall remains possible at isolated locations in southern Chhattisgarh over the next 24 hours. Authorities have advised residents in low-lying areas and along riverbanks to remain alert as water levels continue to fluctuate.