Rajasthan: Heavy Rainfall Continues to Wreak Havoc in Tonk

Tonk (Rajasthan): Relentless rainfall has turned hundreds of villages into islands, plunging the region into a severe crisis and overwhelming the administration.

The incessant rainfall has resulted in the disconnection of hundreds of panchayats and villages from their headquarters, and the villagers are facing immense difficulties in accessing necessities like medical aid, food, and drinking water. The situation is so dire that people are forced to take shelter on rooftops, and the dead bodies are being carried on shoulders due to the lack of access to cemeteries.

In this monsoon season, the district has received more than double the average rainfall, resulting in the overflowing of all 34 dams and ponds in the region. The meteorological department has issued an alert for continued heavy rainfall, which has led to the disruption of essential services like healthcare, education, and communication.

The villagers, who were earlier praying for good rainfall, are now pleading with the gods to stop the rain. The situation is so critical that people are risking their lives to cross rivers and streams, resulting in the loss of over 30 lives.

Ration Supply and Livestock Feeding a Challenge

In the absence of a bridge, the villagers are forced to cross rivers and streams, carrying essential commodities like ration, fodder, and milk on their heads. The administration is struggling to reach out to the affected areas, and the villagers are demanding the construction of a high-level bridge to facilitate communication.

Waterlogged Areas Become a Death Trap

The overflowing of rivers and streams has turned the area into a death trap, with numerous vehicles getting swept away. The villagers are risking their lives to cross the rivers, resulting in the loss of many lives. The authorities have rescued many people with the help of SDRF and local villagers.

Groundwater Level Rises

The heavy rainfall has led to a significant rise in the groundwater level, resulting in the overflowing of wells and borewells. Many handpumps are overflowing without even being operated. The farmers are facing a significant loss in the Kharif crop, and the upcoming Rabi crop is also under threat due to the waterlogged fields.

The meteorological department has predicted that the rainfall will continue in the region, which has added to the woes of the villagers and the administration.