India – Deadly Flash Floods in Madhya Pradesh

At least 8 people were swept away and forty-five people left stranded by flash floods in Sultangarh Water Fall in Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh, India.

Local media reports that between 8 and 12 people were swept away after a sudden surge of water during the afternoon of 15 August. There has been no official confirmation of fatalities, although India Today reported that 11 people have died.

Madhya Pradesh Minister Yashodhara Raje Scindia told reporters “As of now, we do not know how many people have been washed away.”

Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajesh Hingankar told Press Trust of India (PTI), “at least eight people were swept away yesterday while bathing in the waterfall and 45 others stranded following a sudden surge in water due to heavy rain upstream.”

All 45 stranded were rescued by emergency teams and helicopters during the night 15 to 16 August 2018.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said those stranded at the waterfall were rescued with the help of the Border Security Force, State Disaster Response Force, Home Guards, and local police and residents.

Many tourists had visited the water fall to celebrate India’s Independence Day holiday.

India Today reports that the water level increased due to sudden release from a dam.

PTI however says the floods were caused by a sudden surge in water at around 16:30 on 15 August due to heavy rain upstream, catching bathers unawares.

According to India Meteorological Department figures (IMD) Gwalior, around 55km north east of Sultangarh, recorded 70.5mm of rain in 24 hours on 15 August, 2018.

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