Jaipur Flood- 3 dead in flooding of house basement amid heavy rain

Recent events in India have highlighted the severe impact of heavy rainfall and inadequate infrastructure on urban areas. Two tragic incidents in Delhi and Jaipur have drawn attention to the dangers posed by flooding, which has claimed lives and caused significant disruptions.

Delhi Tragedy: A Coaching Centre's Basement Becomes a Death Trap

In the wake of recent heavy rains, Delhi witnessed a harrowing incident in which three IAS aspirants lost their lives in a basement that became waterlogged. This tragedy occurred in Old Rajinder Nagar, a locality that faced intense rainfall. The basement of a coaching centre, where the aspirants were studying, became inundated with water, leading to their deaths.

Incident Details:

• Location: Old Rajinder Nagar, Delhi

• Casualties: 3 IAS aspirants

• Cause: Basement flooding due to heavy rains

The basement, which was not equipped to handle such a volume of water, quickly became a death trap. The incident has sparked discussions about the safety of such spaces during monsoon seasons and the need for better infrastructure to prevent such tragedies.

Key Incidents in Rajasthan

1. Basement Flooding in Vishwakarma Area:

   • Date: July 31, 2024

   • Location: Vishwakarma area, Jaipur

   • Casualties: 2 adults and 1 toddler of 4 years old

   • Details: The basement of two houses was filled with approximately 12 feet of water. After an eight-hour-long search, the SDRF team found the bodies of three of them while one was safely rescued. The waterlogging was exacerbated by continuous rainfall, leaving victims unable to escape.

2. Additional Search Efforts:

   • Location: Bagru area, Jaipur

   • Details: Search operations are ongoing for a minor boy washed away by an overflowing drain. The search has been complicated by continued rainfall and waterlogging.

3. Traffic and Infrastructure Disruptions:

   • Impacted Areas: Jaipur airport entrance, Sikar Road, Ajmer Road

   • Details: Waterlogging has severely impacted traffic flow, leading to significant congestion and delays. Several schools in Jaipur have been closed due to the adverse weather conditions.

4. Bus Overturn in Kota:

   • Location: NH-35, Mukunda Tiger Hills area, Kota

   • Details: A bus carrying about 30 people overturned and fell into a gorge while the driver attempted to navigate through narrow traffic. Four people were injured in the incident.

5. Building Collapse in Churu:

   • Location: Churu, Rajasthan

   • Details: A century-old building collapsed, and a portion of a highway at Jalebi Chowk caved in. Fortunately, no casualties were reported from these incidents.

Rainfall and Meteorological Forecast

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported heavy rainfall across various districts in Rajasthan. As of the latest update:

• Districts Affected: Jaipur, Dausa, Nagaur, Kota, Bundi, Jhalawar, Bharatpur, Sikar, Tonk, Churu

• Rainfall Statistics:

  • Jaipur: 173 mm total rainfall; airport area recorded 133 mm.

  • Karauli: Highest recorded rainfall of 80 mm in a 24-hour period.

  • Gadra Road, Barmer: 32.5 mm of rainfall recorded.

The persistent monsoon activity has caused extensive waterlogging, particularly in low-lying areas such as Fatehpur. The local infrastructure has struggled to cope with the volume of water, leading to flooding in residential areas and disruptions to daily life.

Lessons Learned: The Need for Preparedness and Infrastructure Improvements

The recent tragedies in Rajasthan serve as a crucial reminder of the need for improved infrastructure and emergency preparedness to protect residents during the monsoon season. Key considerations include:

• Enhanced Drainage Systems: Developing better drainage systems in urban areas to manage heavy rainfall and prevent waterlogging.

• Emergency Response Training: Training local authorities and volunteers in emergency response protocols to ensure timely and effective rescue operations.

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating residents about flood risks and safety measures, particularly during heavy rains.

The loss of lives due to flooding in Rajasthan underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to safeguard communities against extreme weather conditions. As the monsoon season continues, it is essential for authorities to prioritize infrastructure improvements and community preparedness initiatives to prevent future tragedies.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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