Heavy rains batter Rajasthan, Kota worst hit

KOTA: Persistent rain in Hadauti region has claimed nine lives, including three minors, in last two days in Kota, Bundi, Baran and Jhalawar districts. Rescue operation by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams is underway and Army has been called in Kota and Baran district to speed up the evacuation and assistance of people in worst affected areas.

Meanwhile, over 350 people were evacuated from Kaithun town of Kota district that submerged in 5 to 10-foot of rainwater in last two days. A red alert has been issued in Baran and Kota district.

“Over 350 people have been rescued from Kaithun town of Kota district and Army, along with NDRF and SDRF teams, are engaged in the rescue operation,” said Kota district collector Muktanand Agrawal. Over 3,000 food packets have been distributed so far in the flood affected areas in Kaithun town and situation is under control, he said adding that flood affected people in Khatoli, Etawa, Khelarasulpura and Mohammadpura villages are being rescued to safe places.

A 26-year-old woman and her 7-year-old son were swept away into the flooding water after their motorbike slipped on Kunhari overbridge on Thursday, he said adding that exact numbers of deaths due to rain is yet to be assessed. People in low-lying areas of the city are worst affected, he added. Meanwhile, amid consistent rain in Jhalawar district , 16 gates of Kalisindh Dam were opened in Jhalawar. However, 12 gates were closed on Friday and water was released through four gates.A 10-year-old boy, who has been identified as Govind Sain, was swept away into the flooding rivulet and died on Friday.