525 Evacuated in Gadchiroli as Chhattisgarh Downpours Trigger...

By GT24x7 Reporter · 26 September 2026 · GlobalToday24x7

A comprehensive disaster management operation led to the emergency evacuation of approximately 525 people in the Bhamragad region of Maharashtra's eastern Gadchiroli district. The sudden inundation followed intense spells of heavy rainfall in the upstream catchment areas of neighboring Chhattisgarh, which caused regional rivers—including the Indravati and Perlakota—to overflow beyond danger thresholds.

The evacuation campaign commenced on Thursday afternoon and extended late into the night under the direction of Gadchiroli District Collector Avishyant Panda and the operational guidance of Bhamragad Tehsildar Kishor Bagde. Prioritizing vulnerable families in low-lying localities, civic and disaster management teams relocated residents to designated relief centers where food, clean drinking water, and basic amenities were established. District officials reported on Saturday that floodwaters have begun to recede, providing initial relief to the township and surrounding tribal hamlets.

Emergency Rescue Operations and Critical Medical Evacuations

Highlighting the complex nature of emergency interventions in remote sectors, disaster response personnel performed specialized rescue operations for residents requiring immediate medical care. Among those rescued was an ailing female student enrolled at the remote Binagonda Ashram School, which had become isolated by rising waters.

A team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), operating alongside State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) units, navigated through the dangerously swollen Gundenur nullah to transport the student across the fast-moving water body. Upon reaching the opposite bank, emergency medical personnel transferred her to the Primary Health Centre at Laheri for clinical treatment. In a separate operation, rescue personnel navigated flooded routes using boats to transport critically ill patients across the Perlakota river toward Hemalkasa, enabling their subsequent ambulance transfer to the Sub-District Hospital in Aheri.

Regional Hydrological Exposure and Connectivity Disruptions

The Bhamragad region sits at a geographically vulnerable river confluence involving the Indravati, Perlakota, and Pamul Gautami rivers. When heavy rain systems descend over south Chhattisgarh and adjoining districts of Odisha, excess run-off flows rapidly into Gadchiroli's river networks. During the recent weather event, the swelling Perlakota river submerged an old bridge along National Highway-130D, temporarily severing road connectivity on the vital Bhamragad-Allapalli route. Local police authorities deployed barricades and stationed security personnel on both ends of the submerged bridge to prevent commuters from attempting hazardous crossings.

Although water levels along major streams have dropped significantly, the Gadchiroli District Disaster Management Authority has issued public advisories directing citizens residing near riverbanks and low-lying habitats to maintain high alertness. Residents have been strongly advised to avoid driving or walking through flooded causeways, bridges, or watercourses while streams remain active. Revenue, police, and disaster relief authorities remain positioned across Southern Gadchiroli to continuously observe upstream discharge rates and respond to fresh weather developments.