Around 48 hours of deluge in several parts of Jharkhand threw the normal life completely out of gear and at the same time exposed the unprepared stance of the State machinery to deal with inundated roads, water logging low-lying areas and overflowing drains.
In the last 48 hours, while Ranchi received around 70 mm of rain Jamshedpur received close to 100 mm of rain and was the most badly hit city in Jharkhand.
People were left stranded wherever they were when rain lashed the city on Wednesday night. Rain played cat and mouse with Ranchiites for the entire day and forced them to remain indoors.
Over flowing drains invaded houses situated in the narrow lanes of Upper Bazaar, Islam Nagar, Azad Basti, Gaus Nagar, Kantatoli and Madhukam besides other densely populated localities of the city. Although water in many areas receded it left an unbearable stench highlighting the need for congestion free drainage system.
Other major cities of Jharkhand also faced serious threats from more than three days of continuous rainfall.
Heavy downpour forced people living in low areas in Dhanbad and Bokaro to take shelter in higher altitudes. More than ten small bridges said to be submerged in water following heavy rains.
About 3 to 5 feet rain waterlogged at several spots on the National Highway-23 between Bokaro and Dhanbad.
Heavy showers inundated several houses in Manaitand, Tapovan, Bhuaiphor in Dhanbad and Chas in Bokaro setting panic waves among the residents. Due to downpour water level has risen in Mathion, Topchanchi and Panchet Dam in Dhanbad.
For the residents of Jharia, which is under threat due to underground fire, last few days were nightmare incidentally reminding them of the danger of living on ground which hollow beneath. No sooner than the rain found its way to ground beneath it came out in the form of vapor.
Sensing danger to mines and miners, mining was stopped in underground mines and miners were ordered to come out on Wednesday, officials of mining companies conceded.
Meanwhile farmers in the rural areas of the district welcomed the downpour anticipating a good season for crops. We hope there will be some more showers so that the ponds could be filled. The rain is good for the crop, said A Mahato a farmer in Bokaro.
Several areas of Tata- Mango, Jugsalai, Baghbera, Parsudih were badly hit by the rainfall. Water logging in these areas made difficult for people to move. The downpour exposed the woeful drainage system in the city. Choked drains resulted in water logging in different parts of the city.
Significantly, the East Singhbhum district administration has swung into action and formed medical teams to respond to distress calls and deal with any contingency once the water recedes.