Chitrakoot in Madhya Pradesh’s Satna district is facing severe flooding after hours of heavy rain pushed the Mandakini River into spate, submerging large parts of the pilgrimage town and disrupting road and rail connectivity. Around 400 shops along the riverfront have reportedly been affected, while several roads, bridges and low-lying areas remain under water.

The situation has also affected railway operations. Waterlogging on the railway track near Majhgawan prevented the Anand Vihar-Rewa train from proceeding further. Several parts of Chitrakoot, including Ram Ghat and Bharat Ghat, have been inundated. Residents in vulnerable areas have moved towards safer and elevated locations as the water level continued to rise.

The administration has deployed State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams to rescue people stranded in homes, hotels and other flooded areas. Boats have also been seen operating on waterlogged roads. Local residents said the current flood situation appears more severe than the flooding witnessed in the area last year.

Heavy Rain Triggers Flooding

The flood situation developed after continuous heavy rainfall in the region for nearly 14 hours. The rising level of the Mandakini River has caused water to enter several shops and houses located close to the river.

Road connectivity between Satna and Chitrakoot has also been affected, with the route reportedly blocked at three locations. The disruption has made it difficult for administrative teams to reach some affected areas.

Several religious and tourist locations, including Arogyadham, Gupt Godavari and the Sati Anusuya area, have also reported waterlogging. The parikrama route near Purani Lanka Tiraha has been affected, creating difficulties for residents and visitors.

400 Shops Hit by Water

Ram Ghat has emerged as one of the worst-affected areas. Water from the swollen Mandakini has entered shops along the riverbank, forcing traders to move goods to safer locations.

The ghats themselves have been submerged, while water has entered lanes and roads in nearby areas. In some places, boats have been used to navigate through the flooded streets.

The water has also reached the premises of Nayagaon Rajmahal. Several bridges and culverts around the town have been overtopped by the rising water, raising concerns about further damage if the river level continues to increase.

Railway Operations Disrupted

Floodwater has reached the railway track near Majhgawan, disrupting train movement. The Anand Vihar-Rewa train was unable to proceed because of waterlogging on the track.

The disruption to rail connectivity comes amid broader problems on roads leading towards Chitrakoot. With multiple routes affected by water, movement in and around the pilgrimage town has become difficult.

SDRF Teams Conduct Rescue

People trapped inside houses and hotels in low-lying areas are being moved to safer locations by rescue teams. SDRF personnel have been deployed to assist in evacuation and relief operations.

Residents in vulnerable areas have also shifted towards higher ground as the water level increased. Authorities have been monitoring the situation and urging people to avoid entering flooded roads and areas close to the river.

The flooding has also damaged infrastructure at several locations. Railings on a major bridge over the Mandakini near Nayagaon have been reported damaged, while water has flowed over bridges and smaller crossings in surrounding areas.

Flood Risk Remains High

Chitrakoot has historically remained vulnerable to flooding during periods of intense monsoon rainfall because several populated and commercial areas are located close to the Mandakini River.

The latest flooding follows another spell of high water levels reported in the area on August 17. However, local residents said the present situation is significantly more severe.

With rainfall expected to continue in Satna district, authorities remain focused on rescue operations, road safety and preventing people from entering high-risk areas.

Congress Madhya Pradesh president Jitu Patwari has also appealed to the government to make arrangements for rehabilitation and assistance for people affected by the flooding.