198 monsoon-related deaths since Jun 15 in MP: Official

Madhya Pradesh has seen 198 rain-related deaths since the advent of monsoon in June this year, additional secretary of the state's Revenue department GV Rashmi said on Tuesday.

The state has been receiving heavy rains for the past several days, resulting in the Narmada river, considered its lifeline, flowing above the danger mark and gates of several dams have been opened to release excess water.

"As per our figures, rain-related deaths in MP since start of monsoon on June 15 is 198. It includes deaths caused due by drowning and lightning. Four deaths have been reported from Guna, Rajgarh, Vidisha and Katni districts in the past 48 hours," Rashmi said.

The India Meteorological Department predicted extremely heavy rainfall for isolated places in 18 districts in the state, including Indore and Harda, till Wednesday evening.

It also said heavy to very heavy rainfall will take place in 20 districts, including Bhopal and Jabalpur, during this period.

According to MP Water Resources department website, the Narmada river was flowing at 166.60 metres, above the danger mark of 163.98 metres, at Mortakka in Khargone district at 4 pm.

It added that 12 out of 20 gates of the Indira Sagar, the state's largest dam, built on Narmada in Khandwa had been opened, while seven out of 21 gates of Bargi Dam in Jabalpur also had to be opened to release excess water.