Two kids drown, farmer killed by lightning as monsoon rains continue to batter CG

Raipur: At least three people, including two children, died in rain-related incidents across Chhattisgarh on Sunday and Monday as widespread showers swelled rivers, flooded roads and disrupted connectivity in several districts.While a farmer was killed in a lightning strike in Bilaspur, two siblings drowned in a water-filled pit in Gariyaband amid the monsoon spell.In Gariyaband’s Kopra town, Yogesh Sahu, 6, and his sister Suman Sahu, 8, drowned after falling into a 10-12 ft deep rainwater-filled garbage pit on Sunday. Police said the siblings were playing outside after the rain when they slipped in. Their bodies were recovered by family and villagers.In Bilaspur, 65-year-old farmer Dharamdas Yadav was struck by lightning while transplanting paddy along the Arpa river in Koni. Officials said he was running to a cremation ground for shelter when lightning hit, killing him on the spot.The rain caused widespread disruption. Bilaspur town saw waterlogging after drains overflowed, affecting traffic.In Raigarh, authorities opened four gates of the Kelo dam by 25 cm late Sunday after inflows rose.

In Rajnandgaon, six cattle were electrocuted after a live wire snapped in a storm.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said rainfall remained widespread across the state.According to the seasonal cumulative rainfall table from June1 to – July 6, of the IMD portal, despite widespread heavy rain over the past 24 hours, the state as a whole is still at “normal” seasonal rainfall with an overall departure of -18%, while northern districts like Surguja and Jashpur continue to face significant seasonal deficits.IMD warningIMD has forecast widespread rain, thunderstorms and lightning across parts of Chhattisgarh and advised people not to cross flooded rivers or streams, avoid sheltering under isolated trees during thunderstorms, and stay away from snapped power lines.