Eight individuals lost their lives in rain-related incidents in Rajasthan on August 12, 2024, bringing the total death toll to 22 over the past two days as heavy rainfall is expected to persist in eastern regions for the next four to five days, according to officials.
The recent heavy rainfall has triggered a flood-like scenario in Karauli and Hindaun, with severe waterlogging affecting low-lying areas and overflowing rivers and dams disrupting daily life. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma undertook a field assessment of the situation in various regions, including Jawahar Circle, Malviya Nagar, Sanganer, and Dher ke Balaji, on Monday evening.
In response to warnings issued by the meteorological department, schools were closed in Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Bharatpur, Dausa, and Karauli. The heavy rains have severely impacted transportation in Jaipur, leading to inundated roads and widespread traffic jams.
The spokesperson for the Jaipur Meteorological Centre indicated that “heavy and very heavy rainfall” is anticipated to continue in parts of Jaipur, Bharatpur, Kota, and Ajmer divisions for the coming days. The Joint Secretary of the Disaster Management Department, Bhagwat Singh, reported a flood-like situation in Karauli and Hindaun, where NDRF and SDRF teams have evacuated approximately 100 individuals to safety.
Twenty-five devotees stranded at the Trinetra Ganeshji temple in Ranthambore, Sawai Madhopur, were rescued by SDRF teams in an operation that began on Sunday night and concluded Monday morning. The bodies of five people swept away in the Kanota dam in Jaipur were recovered on Monday, along with two additional drownings in Galta Kund and a fatality in Dausa where a 30-year-old man was swept away at Moroli dam.
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot claimed that more than 25 people have died due to rain-related incidents statewide. In a social media post, he urged Chief Minister Sharma to clarify the situation regarding the Disaster Relief Minister’s status, highlighting the confusion that could hinder effective relief efforts.
Agriculture and Disaster Relief Minister Kirodi Lal Meena has yet to have his recent resignation officially accepted. He announced plans to visit several areas affected by flooding on Tuesday to assess conditions.
In a video statement, Chief Minister Sharma emphasized that he was closely monitoring the ongoing situation, stressing that the safety of affected individuals is his “topmost priority.” He urged citizens to heed the meteorological warnings and take necessary precautions, including avoiding baths in water bodies, maintaining a safe distance from electric poles, and steering clear of building basements during the rainy season.
According to the Jaipur Meteorological Centre, continuous rain has disrupted life across several districts, including the capital. In the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Jaipur received 118 mm of rainfall, while Ramgarh Pachwara in Dausa recorded 258 mm and Sapotra in Karauli saw 207 mm. Other areas, such as Lalsot and Rauwas in Dausa, received between 132 mm to 178 mm of rainfall.
From June 1 to August 12, Rajasthan has experienced 40% more rainfall than average, with the total reaching 397.8 mm compared to the normal of 283.9 mm. Western Rajasthan has recorded 56% above-normal rainfall, while eastern regions reported 31% more. Almost all districts, except Dungarpur and Banswara, have experienced normal to excess rainfall.
