Chhattisgarh sets up flood monitoring cell after heavy rains

Chhattisgarh and its capital witnessed heavy rains during the past 24 hours, prompting the state government to set up a state-level flood monitoring cell.
Chhattisgarh received an average 39.1 mm rainfall in the past 24 hours which is 307 per cent more than the expected rainfall of 9.6 mm during this period, Raipur Meteorological Centre Director M L Sahu told PTI.
The department has forecast heavy rainfall at many places in Chhattisgarh, with very heavy rainfall at isolated places in the next 24 hours.
Bastar is the worst affected region where water levels in rivers like Indravati rose steadily after the first spell of heavy rains.

Kanker district in North Bastar recorded a maximum of 145.1 mm rainfall, inundating many low lying areas and cutting off some key road links in forest areas.
Raipur district received 56.4 mm rainfall during the past 24 hours, making the commuters face flooded drains and waterlogging.

Water in major rivers flowing across the state still flow below danger levels, though water level in several dams like the Gangrel dam, Hasdeo Bango dam and others are rising continuously, a revenue and disaster management department official said.
A state-level flood monitoring cell has been set up here with the onset of monsoon, he said, adding that it would remain open for 24 hours, so that citizens can contact it in case of any exigency.

Officials have been instructed to be vigilant and address grievances as early as possible, the official said.