Heavy rainfall continued to affect normal life across Jharkhand on Saturday, causing waterlogging in low-lying areas, disrupting traffic and pushing several rivers above their danger levels. Six flights were cancelled at Ranchi’s Birsa Munda Airport, while schools remained shut in Ranchi, Jamshedpur and other affected areas.
The spell of rain has continued since September 23 and has damaged standing crops in several districts. Officials expect weather conditions to gradually improve from Sunday as the weather system weakens, although flood-like conditions continue in some locations.
Subarnarekha, Kharkai Rivers Cross Danger Levels
The situation remained particularly concerning in East Singhbhum, where the Subarnarekha river was flowing 2.02 metres above the danger mark. The Kharkai river was 4.50 metres above its danger level.
Several areas witnessed knee-deep water, while vehicles were stranded on waterlogged roads. East Singhbhum Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Ranjan appealed to residents to stay away from riverbanks and shift to safer locations.
Ranjan also urged people to move to higher ground and follow directions issued by the district administration as river levels remained above the danger mark.
Dam Water Levels Rise, Crops Suffer Damage
In Ranchi, the water level at Kanke Dam, also known as Gonda Dam, climbed to 27.05 feet against its total capacity of 28 feet. Water levels also increased at the Hatia and Getalsud dams.
The prolonged rainfall has caused damage to paddy and vegetable crops in various parts of Jharkhand. Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri has instructed officials to conduct a detailed assessment of the losses.
The district agriculture officer has been directed to gather details about the affected areas, farmers and the estimated extent of crop damage.
The India Meteorological Department said the depression over northeast Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas was moving north-northwestwards. The system was expected to gradually weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area within the following 12 hours.
Jharkhand Rainfall Deficit Falls to 1 Per Cent
Despite the uneven distribution of rainfall, the recent showers have significantly reduced Jharkhand’s overall rainfall deficit. Between June 1 and September 26, the state received 991.3 mm of rain compared with the normal 999.7 mm, leaving the overall deficit at just 1 per cent.
However, eight districts continued to record deficient rainfall. Pakur had the highest shortfall at 50 per cent, followed by Chatra at 36 per cent and Sahibganj at 34 per cent.
In contrast, 11 districts recorded surplus rainfall. West Singhbhum reported the highest surplus at 49 per cent, while Seraikela-Kharsawan recorded 23 per cent and Ranchi 19 per cent.
Disclaimer: This report is based on information and weather conditions available at the time of publication. River levels, rainfall figures, weather forecasts and local advisories may change as conditions develop. Readers should follow official updates from the district administration and weather authorities.