Jharkhand rain alert: Kharkai 4.5 metres above danger mark as rivers rise
PINAKI MAJUMDAR Jamshedpur, September 26: The flood situation in parts of Kolhan remained a concern on Saturday as the Kharkai River at…
Representative image.
PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, September 26: The flood situation in parts of Kolhan remained a concern on Saturday as the Kharkai River at Adityapur rose 4.50 metres above its danger mark, while the Subarnarekha at Mango was flowing 2.02 metres above the danger level amid continued rainfall and rising water levels.
Both rivers were reported to be rising, prompting authorities to closely monitor the situation, particularly in low-lying areas along their banks in and around Jamshedpur and adjoining parts of Seraikela-Kharsawan.
According to the Flood Cell at Subernarekha Bhawan, Adityapur, the Kharkai was recorded at 133.50 metres at 6 am on Saturday, against its danger level of 129 metres.
The Subarnarekha, meanwhile, stood at 123.52 metres at Mango, compared with its danger mark of 121.50 metres.
The rising trend in both rivers has increased concern in downstream areas, particularly as more rainfall is expected across the region.
Heavy rain forecast across Jharkhand
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rain at isolated places in several parts of Jharkhand, including the north-western, southern, central and north-eastern regions.
In southern Jharkhand, East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan are among the districts likely to receive heavy rainfall.
The forecast also covers central districts including Ranchi, Khunti, Ramgarh, Hazaribagh, Koderma, Dhanbad and Bokaro, besides Giridih in north-eastern Jharkhand and parts of the north-western region.
Thunderstorms, lightning add to concern
The weather office has also warned of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph at isolated places across the state.
Heavy rainfall is also likely at isolated locations in north-western Jharkhand, raising the possibility of further increases in river levels depending on the intensity and distribution of rainfall.
Authorities keep watch on low-lying areas
With both the Kharkai and Subarnarekha continuing to rise, authorities are keeping a close watch on water levels and vulnerable downstream locations.
Low-lying settlements along the riverbanks in and around Jamshedpur and adjoining areas of Seraikela-Kharsawan remain particularly vulnerable if the rivers continue to rise.
The combination of elevated river levels and the forecast of further rainfall has kept the Kolhan region on alert, with residents in vulnerable areas advised to remain cautious and follow official updates.
