Fourteen laborers trapped in rising flood waters in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband district were rescued safely after a joint operation, officials said. The workers were trapped due to the sudden rise in the water level of the Bagnadi river due to continuous rain for the last 24 hours.

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Workers were trapped in the shed under the bridge

Gariaband DSP Nitesh Singh said that this incident took place in Bijapur village located on the border of Gariaband and Mahasamund districts. DSP Singh said, "Bijapur village is located under the jurisdiction of Chura police station, on the border of Gariaband and Mahasamund districts. There was bridge construction work going on across the Bagnadi river, and 14 laborers were living in a temporary shed below the bridge. Due to incessant rains in Gariaband district for the last 24 hours, the water level suddenly rose, trapping all 14 laborers."

Upon receiving information about the stranded workers, a rescue operation was launched by the local authorities. The DSP further said, "A joint rescue operation was successfully carried out by the Gariaband police team and Mahasamund home guard team. If he was not rescued on time, his life could have been in danger; we have averted a serious situation."

The official further said that the administration is on high alert due to the continued bad weather in the area. DSP Singh said, "It is raining continuously. Gariaband district is surrounded by forests, small drains, rivers and hills; as a result, the water level is rising due to rain. Gariaband police team is on alert at the spot and keeping a close watch."

There is an outcry due to waterlogging in the capital Raipur too.

After overnight rain, there was severe waterlogging in many parts of Raipur, with residents saying that water reached knee-deep in some areas and waist-deep in others.

Dirty water entered many homes, damaging belongings and forcing families to stay awake throughout the night to ensure the safety of children and elderly members. After the rain, many localities of the city turned into ponds. Along with the streets being submerged, houses were flooded with two to three feet of water. From around 2 am in the morning, people were seen draining water and securing their belongings. Many families went without sleep and food, and some even struggled to find drinking water.

Meteorological Department issued alert

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD)'s Saturday weather bulletin, widespread rainfall is likely over Chhattisgarh, East Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and West Madhya Pradesh till July 10. (ANI)