Rain batters bhopal as pumps are deployed and basements flood in posh colonies

BHOPAL: Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) launched urgent response measures by deploying water extraction units across several localities, including Shahpura, Arera Colony, Lal Ghati, and bridge intersection, where rainwater flooded the streets and penetrated ground floors of residential buildings on Tuesday.The monsoon season saw its first instance of emergency response, with pumping equipment installed in building basements to remove accumulated rainwater after sudden flooding affected crucial areas of the city during the night.Intense overnight rainfall severely affected daily life in Bhopal, leading the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) to initiate water pump operations for the first time this rainy season.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) distributed cautionary SMS alerts to residents in several vulnerable districts around noon on Tuesday, anticipating deteriorating weather conditions.Recent rainfall in Sehore and Upper Lake catchment areas caused significant water level increases, with the thousand-year-old lake rising approximately one foot overnight. The water body currently stands just over five feet below its Full Tank Level (FTL), creating flood management challenges.

The India Meteorological Department predicts continued heavy rainfall across central Madhya Pradesh. Consequently, the NDMA issued SMS alerts at midday, cautioning residents in Betul, Bhopal, Chhindwara, Dewas, Khandwa, Narsinghgarh, Rajgarh, Sehore, Shahjapur, Shivpuri, and Vidisha about potentially dangerous weather conditions.