Jamshedpur faces flood threat as Subarnarekha, Kharkai rivers cross danger marks

Continuous rainfall has intensified the flood threat in Jamshedpur, with both the Subarnarekha and Kharkai rivers flowing above their respective danger levels and water entering homes in several low-lying parts of the city.

More than 500 houses have reportedly been affected in areas including Bagbera, Kadma and Shankosai. Several families were forced to spend the night on rooftops, while others sought shelter at neighbours’ homes as water levels continued to rise.

At Mango, the danger mark for the Subarnarekha is 121.50 metres. The river’s water level reached 122.22 metres on Friday, putting it 72 centimetres above the danger level.

The situation was even more concerning along the Kharkai. At Adityapur, the river’s danger level is 129 metres, while its water level was recorded at 131.70 metres — 2.70 metres above the threshold.

Authorities and residents are keeping a close watch on both rivers as the water level is expected to rise further over the next 24 hours.

Heavy rain has also caused widespread waterlogging on major roads in Sakchi, Jugsalai, Kadma and other parts of the city. Several cars and motorcycles became stranded in the water, forcing people to push their vehicles to safer locations.

This is the third time during the current spell of rainfall that low-lying areas of Jamshedpur have faced significant waterlogging, adding to concerns among residents and local authorities.

Chandil Dam opens all 13 gates

With water levels in the rivers continuing to rise, all 13 radial gates of Chandil Dam were opened to release excess water.

Eight gates were opened by two metres each, while the remaining five were opened by half a metre. The dam's water level was recorded at 180.95 metres in the evening, with around 1,829.99 cubic metres of water per second being discharged.

Several areas in the Adityapur Municipal Corporation region, including Kalpanapuri, Ram Madaiya and Saldih Basti, have also been affected by a combination of river overflow and rainwater accumulation.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast more rain across several parts of Jharkhand on Saturday. Some areas could receive heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds.

Jamshedpur recorded 29.6 mm of rainfall on Friday, while neighbouring Seraikela-Kharsawan district received 94.5 mm of rain over the preceding 24-hour period.

With more rain forecast and both major rivers already above their danger marks, the next 24 hours are expected to be critical for Jamshedpur and other low-lying areas along the riverbanks. Local residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to remain alert and follow any evacuation or safety instructions issued by the authorities.