Bastar faces worst floods since 2010 as MI-17 rescues stranded residents and 4,798 take shelter in 42 camps Continuous heavy rainfall and dam water release have triggered severe flooding in Bastar reminiscent of 2010. The Indian Air Force deployed an MI-17 helicopter for rescues, while 4,798 displaced citizens have found refuge across 42 relief camps. Flood conditions across Bastar divisional headquarters Jagdalpur and the surrounding district remain extremely critical. Continuous heavy downpours persisted for five days under the influence of cyclone Arnab. Compounding the situation, water was released from the Khatiguda dam in neighboring Odisha, causing water levels in the Indravati river and its tributaries to surge rapidly. The swelling rivers have completely submerged multiple villages, settlements, and low-lying areas, severely disrupting normal life. Praveer and Vijay wards submerged Urban areas in Jagdalpur including Praveer ward, Vijay ward, and Mahadev Ghat have witnessed rapid water accumulation. Initially, local residents expected the floodwaters to recede quickly and chose to stay inside their homes. However, an abrupt rise in the Indravati river level caused widespread waterlogging, escalating difficulties for everyone trapped inside. On a positive note, rainfall paused and water levels finally began to recede on Sunday evening. Rescue operations using MI-17 helicopters Following the severe water ingress into residential areas, the Bastar police administration, municipal corporation, SDRF, and home guards launched a massive rescue operation. The flood rescue teams successfully evacuated 817 people over a two-day period. Meanwhile, 16 individuals trapped in interior pockets were airlifted to safety using an Indian Air Force MI-17 helicopter. Vijay ward corporator Gautam Panigrahi noted that conditions across the neighborhood remain deeply concerning. 4,798 flood victims sheltered in 42 relief camps The devastating floods have destroyed numerous homes and washed away household goods and belongings. To accommodate those affected, the district administration has operationalized a total of 42 relief camps across the entire Bastar district. As many as 4,798 flood-affected individuals have taken refuge in these facilities. Among them, 1,808 people are staying across 7 urban relief camps, while 2,990 people are accommodated across 35 rural camps. Food and medical arrangements in camps The administration has arranged food, drinking water, and essential supplies in the camps for women, men, senior citizens, and young children. Furthermore, various social organizations and local citizens have stepped forward to distribute meals, breakfast, drinking water, fruits, and biscuits. These community efforts ensure that displaced families receive adequate support during the crisis. Administration updates and ongoing risks According to administrative updates, rainfall has currently stopped in Jagdalpur. Nevertheless, because the Indravati river remains at an elevated level, the danger has not fully passed. Officials estimate that it could take two to three days for the floodwaters to recede completely. Notably, Bastar last witnessed such a severe deluge back in 2010. For now, relief and rescue teams remain stationed and fully alert across all affected sectors. What this means for you Ordinary residents in affected parts of Bastar and Jagdalpur are facing severe waterlogging, property damage, and major travel disruptions. • Across India: Families residing in low-lying areas of Bastar and Jagdalpur have been forced to abandon their homes and move into temporary relief camps. The administration is providing food and essential supplies to those displaced. • Travel and Daily Life: Swelling river levels and inundated roads have severely hampered local commuting and transport, with normalcy expected to take a few days to return. Why this happened The severe flooding in Bastar was primarily caused by five consecutive days of torrential downpours driven by cyclone Arnab combined with water releases from a neighboring dam. • Persistent rainfall: The cyclonic disturbance triggered heavy rains across the region for five consecutive days, causing water bodies to swell rapidly. • Dam water release: The release of water from the Khatiguda dam in Odisha forced the Indravati river and its tributaries to overflow into surrounding settlements. • Geographical vulnerability: Inadequate drainage in low-lying residential sectors caused floodwaters to accumulate quickly, turning the situation critical. Questions & Answers 1. What is the main cause of the floods in Bastar? Five days of heavy rainfall driven by cyclone Arnab and water released from the Khatiguda dam in Odisha caused the floods. 2. How many people are staying in relief camps? A total of 4,798 flood-affected individuals have taken shelter across 42 relief camps in the Bastar district. 3. How many people were rescued using the Air Force helicopter? 16 individuals stranded in interior and inaccessible areas were airlifted using an Indian Air Force MI-17 helicopter. 4. Which wards in Jagdalpur were heavily affected? Praveer ward, Vijay ward, and Mahadev Ghat were among the worst waterlogged residential areas. 5. When did Bastar last experience such severe floods? Bastar previously experienced such a devastating flood back in the year 2010. https://trendkia.com/en/chhattisgarh/bastar-faces-worst-floods-since-2010-as-mi-17-rescues-stranded-residents-and-4-798-take-shelter-in-42-camps-39632 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.