Ranchi: Two drown as heavy rainfall lash Chatra, CM announces Rs 4 lakh relief for kin

According to Chatra district officials, two teenagers Gayatri Kumari (13), a resident of Ghanghri village, and Gayas Kumar (14), a resident of Kurid village drowned in Nilanjan River last night due to the heavy rainfall.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das announced a relief of Rs 4 lakhs each to the next of kin of the victims.

The victims was living along the River bank and drowned when the water level in Nilanjan River in Hunterganj Block started increasing rapidly. The water level is fast receding as the rain stopped Friday morning. However, it has started again in the afternoon. But, it is not heavy. We have opened at least three camps, where people have been evacuated to safety from along the banks, said Additional Collector (Chatra), Birendra Singh.

Singh added that, as a matter of precaution, an NDRF team has been called. “The team has arrived and is stationed at the district headquarters. They have been asked to remain alert. As of now, the forecast does not predict heavy shower during night. But we are keeping a vigil, said Singh.

Apart from the two deaths, a diversion on an under-construction bridge in Hunterganj block also washed away creating commuting problems for residents of several villages in the interior areas.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, Jharkhand has received rainfall in excess of 20 per cent than the normal in most of the areas. Districts like East Singhbhum (Jamshedpur), West Singhbhum and Palamu received heavy rainfall. However, the forecast for the coming days predicts easing out of the conditions.