Four people from one family, including three children, lost their lives after being carried away by a strong stream in Bilaspur district’s Kota area following heavy rain. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) released a yellow alert along with nowcast warnings for Chhattisgarh, advising of possible thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds. All 4 of them family member from Bolodabazar and on their way back to home from the Marhimata temple in Bhanwartank when their bus halted near a waterlogged bridge in the Kota area of Bilaspur.
While trying to cross the flooded patch, six members were pulled in by the powerful water flow. Two people were saved, but three children, Mitansh (5), Gauri (13), and Muskan (12), sadly drowned. Their bodies were found after long search efforts involving locals, police, and SDRF teams. Another victim, 45-year-old Balram Dhruv, also drowned in the incident.
Police said strong currents and nonstop rain made the rescue work very difficult. Despite efforts by local groups and emergency teams, the high water level and slippery conditions caused delays in the operation.
The weather department has issued a yellow alert across 26 districts of Chhattisgarh, cautioning about moderate to heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning. A nowcast warning was also released on Tuesday morning for southern districts, predicting rainfall with winds at 30–40 km/h.
7 districts are under strict alert due to heavy rain and lightning:
1- Janjgir-Champa,
2- Korba
3- Raigarh
4- Gariaband
5- Dhamtari
6- Kondagaon
7- Bastar
Nineteen other districts are also being closely watched for storms, fast winds, and lightning. A day earlier, Surguja, Bastar, and Bilaspur regions received light to moderate rain, while Raipur and Durg experienced scattered showers. Districts such as Korea, Rajnandgaon, Balod, and Durg are likely to face normal conditions, though authorities have still urged caution.
