THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, June 19: Life across Jharkhand has been severely disrupted following relentless rainfall over the past two days, as the southwest monsoon unleashes its full force on the state. The extreme weather has led to a series of devastating incidents, claiming at least four lives—including three children—while injuring over a dozen others and stranding many more in flood-hit areas.
With rivers in spate and flood-like conditions reported in several districts, the state government has activated emergency response teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), to carry out rescue operations.
Fatalities and Injuries Mount
Among the tragic incidents:
- A mud house collapse in Chakradharpur, West Singhbhum, claimed the life of a woman and left three children injured.
- In Ranchi’s Tamar block, a six-year-old girl died after her home collapsed due to continuous rain.
- Two young boys were buried in an under-construction well in Khunti’s Murhu area.
- Ten passengers were injured—three critically—when a Siyaram bus crashed in Goharar, Hazaribagh, amid poor visibility and slippery roads.
In Chatra’s Tandwa region, a motorcyclist was dramatically rescued from a strong current, highlighting the treacherous conditions prevailing across the state.
Also Read: All schools in Ranchi to remain closed on June 20
Transport and Infrastructure Take a Hit
Severe infrastructural damage has been reported:
- A key bridge over the Banai River collapsed on the Khunti-Torpa-Simdega road, leaving a truck stranded mid-span.
- In Khunti, six labourers remain trapped on an under-construction bridge over the Karkari River, with rescue efforts underway.
- A large section of the NH-43 (Ranchi-Gumla road) was washed away near Chachgura, severing connections to Bhandra and remote areas like Dola Sugda.
In Jamshedpur, multiple roads, including the Bodam-Patamda route near Pardih Kali Mandir, have been completely submerged. Several large vehicles were reported stranded or submerged. Ashiana Woodland locality was flooded, with locals using boats for evacuation.
Additional damage includes a collapsed boundary wall at Jamshedpur’s Sonari Airport, an abandoned Tata Steel building collapse in Seraikela, and a tree fall incident in Musabani blocking a major route.
Red Alerts and School Closures Issued
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla, Lohardaga, and Simdega, predicting extremely heavy rainfall of over 20 cm in 24 hours. An orange alert has been issued for adjoining districts.
In light of the situation, Ranchi district authorities have ordered the closure of all schools, both government and private, under the Disaster Management Act. Residents have been urged to stay indoors and avoid low-lying or flooded areas.
Rainfall Records and Forecast
Jamshedpur recorded the highest rainfall in the state at 247 mm, followed by Seraikela (237 mm) and Ranchi (150+ mm) within the last 24 hours. The downpour has brought a sharp drop in temperatures, with daytime highs struggling to exceed 25°C, a rare phenomenon for mid-June.
The IMD forecasts continued heavy to very heavy rain across south-western, central, and north-eastern Jharkhand through 21 June, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (30–40 km/h).
Monsoon Coverage Expands
The southwest monsoon has now fully covered Jharkhand, also extending into parts of Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. A well-marked low-pressure system over Gangetic West Bengal is expected to move northwestwards, likely intensifying rainfall in the coming days.
Authorities Urge Caution
Residents are advised to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel.
- Steer clear of flooded roads, bridges, and water bodies.
- Stay informed through official channels for weather and safety updates.
- Prepare emergency kits and stay in safe shelter if in flood-prone areas.
With the monsoon settling in and further rains predicted, the state remains on high alert.
