At least 5 fatalities reported in Jharkhand as flooding submerges over 60 homes in Jamshedpur, India

Intense rainfall since mid-July has caused widespread flooding across Jharkhand, India, with the most severe impacts reported in Jamshedpur (East Singhbhum district).

As of July 28, approximately 60 homes were fully submerged and around 100 partially flooded in Jamshedpur. Four youths drowned while bathing in a check-dam in Seraikela-Kharsawan district. The fifth fatality was a four-year-old girl, Vimla Sardar, who died when a rain-weakened wall of her mud hut collapsed in Mukundsai village, East Singhbhum district.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Jharkhand has received 52% more rainfall than the seasonal average, significantly increasing the risk of floods across multiple districts.

The IMD issued orange alerts for heavy rainfall and lightning for July 27–28, covering seven districts.

River systems in the region are critically swollen. The Kharkai River was reported at 132.79 m (436 feet), well above its danger level of 129 m (423 feet), while the Subarnarekha River, near Mango Bridge in Jamshedpur, was recorded at 120.66 m (396 feet), just below its danger mark of 121.50 m (398 feet).

Emergency services remain on 24-hour alert. District officials have activated medical centers, rescue protocols, and flood response plans, particularly in low-lying urban and peri-urban areas.

Power outages and disrupted transportation were also reported in several locations.

Downstream in Odisha, the rising levels of rivers originating in Jharkhand have caused flooding across six districts, impacting over 11 000 people.

The state has deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and Fire Service teams. Relief camps, anti-venom supplies, and emergency funds have been mobilized.

Flood risk remains elevated, especially if rainfall persists or upstream river discharges intensify. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and adhere to evacuation advisories.

References:

¹ Jharkhand Weather: जमशेदपुर में बाढ़: 6 हजार से अधिक मकान डूबे, खरसावां में 4 युवकों की डूबने से मौत – Navbharat Times – July 27, 2025

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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