Rajasthan Floods: 2 Dead, Hundreds Evacuated as Torrential Rains Wreak Havoc; Army Called In for Rescue

At least two women have died and hundreds have been evacuated as torrential rains continue to batter Rajasthan, triggering a severe flood-like situation in at least eight districts and prompting the deployment of the Army for rescue operations. The relentless downpour has submerged vast areas, crippled road and rail connectivity, and cut off numerous villages, with the weather department forecasting more heavy rain for the hard-hit eastern parts of the state.

The districts of Kota, Sawai Madhopur, Tonk, and Bundi are among the worst affected. Bundi’s Nainwa region recorded an staggering 502 mm of rainfall in a 24-hour period ending Saturday, leading to widespread flooding. The two fatalities were reported from Bundi, where a 50-year-old woman was swept away by strong flood currents and a 65-year-old woman died when a wall collapsed on her.

The situation is particularly dire in Sawai Madhopur, where over 30 villages are reportedly underwater and disconnected from the main city, affecting more than one lakh people. The flooding there has been exacerbated by the overflow of the Surwal dam. Major highways, including the one linking Rajasthan to Madhya Pradesh, have been submerged, bringing transportation to a standstill.

In response to the escalating crisis, the Army has been mobilized to assist the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams already on the ground. Rescue operations are in full swing in Sawai Madhopur and Bundi, with teams working to evacuate stranded villagers to safer locations. The Indian Air Force has also been placed on standby, with one Mi-17 helicopter already deployed to aid the relief efforts.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has reviewed the situation and ordered officials to conduct a comprehensive survey to assess the damage to crops and property. Lok Sabha Speaker and local MP Om Birla also visited the flood-ravaged areas to oversee relief efforts. With the Meteorological Department issuing a yellow alert for more heavy rainfall, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant as the situation could worsen.