Madhya Pradesh flooding triggers mass rescues and school closures

Heavy rainfall has triggered widespread flooding across several districts in eastern Madhya Pradesh, including Rewa, Dindori, Panna, Satna, and Chhatarpur. Rising water levels in rivers such as the Narmada, Mandakini, and Ashtabhuja have caused significant disruption to daily life and infrastructure.

In Rewa, authorities have rescued more than 4,000 people, with approximately 3,000 individuals currently housed in 27 relief camps. In Mauganj, the flooding of Naigarhi village by the Ashtabhuja River left four construction workers stranded, one of whom was reportedly swept away by the current. Other impacts include the closure of the Dindori-Mandla State Highway due to the Khermer River overflowing a bridge, and the closure of the Gupt Godavari caves in Chitrakoot as the Mandakini River entered market areas.

As a precaution, schools up to Class 12 have been closed in several districts, including Dindori and Panna. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted continued rainfall through August 25, particularly in the eastern and central parts of the state, driven by a low-pressure area and the monsoon trough.