NEW DELHI — Tragedy struck Rajasthan as six people, including four minors, lost their lives in separate incidents related to severe flooding caused by relentless rainfall over the past day. The India Meteorological Department reported that the town of Dausa received an alarming 29 centimeters of rain within a 24-hour period, leading to widespread flooding across numerous districts such as Bundi, Sawai Madhopur, and Kota, where residents faced perilous conditions.
In Jhalawar district, a harrowing incident occurred when four individuals, including two teachers, were swept away by fast-moving floodwaters while attempting to navigate a submerged low bridge. Local witnesses had warned them not to cross, but the group made the risky decision around 2 p.m. on Sunday. Following a lengthy search lasting three hours, rescuers located their vehicle approximately 10 to 15 meters away from the bridge. Unfortunately, two bodies were discovered inside the car, while two others remained unaccounted for, feared drowned.
In Udaipur, another tragic incident unfolded as four minors tragically drowned in a water-filled mine after attempting to swim. The children—aged 12 to 14—had been grazing goats prior to this unfortunate event. The swift response from villagers and local police aided in retrieving the bodies, but emotions ran high as community members called for accountability from the mine owner.
The heavy rainfall has taken a toll on urban areas as well, particularly in Jaipur, where roads faced knee-deep waterlogging, creating significant traffic disruptions. In light of the adverse weather conditions, the District Collector has ordered the closure of both public and private schools for Monday and Tuesday, emphasizing the urgency of safety amidst further rain forecasts. Power outages plagued several neighborhoods, with technicians working long hours to restore service following failures in transformers and power lines.
The Jaipur Development Authority has acted to prohibit entry into certain public parks, which have become muddy and unsafe due to flooding. Signs of severe water ingress were also reported at Maharana Bhupal Singh Hospital, highlighting the scale of the crisis.
In the Nagaur district, residents received assistance from flood relief teams as many low-lying areas remained under water. Essential services, including schools and anganwadi centers, have been closed as a precautionary measure. Meanwhile, various villages in Sawai Madhopur, particularly those downstream from the Surwal dam, faced dire situations as extensive flooding has left homes submerged, pushing residents to evacuate or seek refuge on rooftops. Critical infrastructure, including the Lalsot-Kota Mega Highway, is impassable for regular vehicles, complicating rescue efforts.
Tonk district has also seen extensive damage, with numerous areas reporting severe flooding and disruption. Structural damage occurred elsewhere, such as the wall of Rambagh, marking another consequence of the relentless rain that has taken both human and material toll.
Officials, including local lawmakers, have been touring the affected regions, urging a swift response to drainage issues and support for the displaced. The weather department warns that heavy rains are expected to persist for several more days, keeping first responders and rescue teams on high alert as they continue to monitor water levels and engage in recovery operations throughout the region.