Severe meteorological conditions have triggered extensive flooding across multiple districts in Chhattisgarh, severely disrupting daily life. Vast regions including Bastar, Dantewada, Mungeli, Balod, Dhamtari, Bilaspur, and Raipur are experiencing severe challenges due to persistent torrential downpours. The flooding has escalated significantly in Bastar following the release of a massive volume of water from the Khatiguda Dam located in neighboring Odisha. Consequently, 13 primary and middle schools in the Bakawand block of Bastar have been submerged by floodwaters. Acknowledging the imminent danger, the Bastar District Collector ordered an immediate suspension of classes in all schools within the affected zone.
Submerged Bridges Halt Traffic in Dantewada
In Dantewada, persistent heavy rainfall has caused regional rivers and local streams to swell well above danger levels. A major bridge along the Nelsnar-Bangapal road has been completely submerged by raging waters, forcing authorities to suspend all traffic on the critical Bijapur-Jagdalpur highway. This road closure has stranded a large number of commuters and created long traffic snarls, as travelers face immense difficulties navigating the blocked transport routes.
Statewide School Holiday Decreed by Chief Minister
Responding to the worsening weather conditions across the state, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai directed administrative heads to take immediate safety measures. Following his directives, a public holiday was declared for all government, private, and government-aided educational institutions across Chhattisgarh. District Collectors have been instructed to strictly implement this directive in their respective regions. Furthermore, the state government has issued an advisory to parents, urging them to keep their children indoors and avoid embarking on any non-essential travel until weather conditions stabilize.
Reservoirs and Dams Overflow in Mungeli and Balod
In Mungeli district, two consecutive days of unrelenting rainfall have caused water bodies to swell rapidly. The waste weir of the Maniyari Dam is currently overflowing by two feet, sending water cascading downstream. Meanwhile, in Balod district, the massive Tandula Dam, which is the region's largest reservoir, has also started to overflow. As news of the scenic overflow spread, crowds of tourists began gathering at the site to witness the spectacle, prompting authorities to step up safety monitoring in the area.
Massive Water Release from Dhamtari's Gangrel Dam
In Dhamtari, the administration has initiated a massive release of approximately 2 lakh cusecs of water from the Gangrel Dam into the Mahanadi River to manage reservoir levels. This large-scale discharge has placed low-lying riparian communities at high risk of flooding. In response, emergency teams have begun evacuating residents from vulnerable areas and relocating them to secure temporary shelters and relief camps. To ensure public safety, school closures in Dhamtari have been extended for a second consecutive day on September 26.
Temperature Plummets in Bilaspur Amid Storm Warnings
A continuous spell of heavy rainfall in Bilaspur has triggered a sudden and dramatic shift in local weather conditions. The region is experiencing early winter-like conditions in late September, with temperatures dropping sharply by up to 6 degrees Celsius. To keep the public informed, the meteorological department has issued 7 distinct weather alerts over the past 24 hours, which included two yellow alerts. Local administrative bodies and disaster response teams remain on high alert across Chhattisgarh to manage any further escalation of the flood situation.
