Chhattisgarh on Alert: Schools Closed as Heavy Rains Bring Flood-Like Conditions
Chhattisgarh on Alert: Schools Closed as Heavy Rains Bring Flood-Like Conditions
Incessant heavy rains have led to widespread flooding in Chhattisgarh, forcing school closures and prompting urgent relief operations. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai emphasizes safety for all.
The Chhattisgarh government has declared a holiday for all schools across the state on Saturday, September 26, 2026, as relentless heavy rain continues to lash several parts, leading to widespread inundation and cutting off many villages.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai made the announcement via a post on X on Friday, September 25, 2026, stating that the safety of students is the top priority. The closure applies to all government, private, and aided schools. The Chief Minister highlighted that the heavy rainfall could result in significant waterlogging, dangerously rising water levels in rivers and streams, and severe transportation challenges in numerous areas.
The decision was made to ensure children are not put at any risk.
Mr. Sai has also instructed District Collectors to conduct relief and rescue operations with utmost vigilance. This includes a particular focus on the Bastar division, which comprises seven districts, where continuous rainfall has caused significant flooding and waterlogging.
He stressed that there should be no delay in providing assistance to those in need in affected areas and urged the administration to remain fully prepared to handle all eventualities, prioritizing citizen safety.
Officials have been directed to closely monitor the situation, especially in low-lying villages and settlements situated near rivers and streams. The heavy rain on Friday inundated low-lying areas, caused rivers to swell, and cut off remote settlements, particularly in the Bastar region. Roads in the Raipur-Durg area have also been reported as submerged, and the Kharun River is swelling due to the continuous downpour.
Tragically, a rain-related death was reported in Kondagaon district.
A 40-year-old farmer drowned after falling into a flooded drain while attempting to catch fish in a partially submerged paddy field.
From June 1, 2026, to September 25, 2026, Chhattisgarh has recorded an average of 1,082.4 mm of rainfall, which is 100.1% of its 10-year seasonal benchmark. In the past 24 hours alone, the state received an average of 52.8 mm of rain.
While Balrampur recorded the highest rainfall relative to its seasonal average at 169.4% and Narayanpur saw the highest cumulative rainfall at 1,600.4 mm, some districts like Surguja, Jashpur, and Kanker received below-normal rainfall. District administrations, police, urban local bodies, and other departments have been asked to coordinate efforts, ensure safe shelters, food, water, medicines, and advise people against unnecessary travel into waterlogged areas or swollen rivers.
