Rain leaves city in deep waters

Sukhmeet Bhasin

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, July 16

The city received 178 mm rain on Tuesday, breaking all records. It started raining at 3 am and continued till 12 pm. Moreover, a man was electrocuted in rainwater when he was locking his shop.

The deceased has been identified as Vijay Kumar, a resident of Kamla Nehru Colony.

According to the Met Department of the PAU regional centre, the city received highest rainfall in any particular day in the past 20 years since 2000. Earlier, in July 5, 2005, the city had received 106 mm rain.

Areas, including Power House road, Sirki Bazar, Bhatti road, Paras Ram Nagar, Mall road, Ajit Road, Aggarwal Colony, Basant Vihar, Civil Lines, Civil Station, Amrik Singh Road, Veer Colony, Shant Nagar and Dhobiana Road, remained submerged under 2-3 ft of water.

The power supply in the city was also disrupted. Since 3 am, the city faced a blackout as water entered power stations.

Residents in most of the areas remained affected as water entered their houses and damaged household items. Politicians and MC officials faced the public wrath over waterlogging.

Besides, the blocked sewerage has intensified the problem as it has created a hurdle in disposal of rainwater in many areas. Downpour has led to panic among city residents as water is still accumulated on city roads. The Met Department has predicted 70 mm rain on Wednesday.

With accumulation of dirty water in colonies and houses, residents are afraid of an outbreak of water-borne diseases.

Attendance in offices was reported thin because of rain and bad weather. Some of employees got stranded at their work places. A few were stuck at Ambedkar Bhawan on the Power House road. Later, NDRF personnel were called to rescue them. Thereafter, they were safely taken out.

On Tuesday, residents were trying to drain out rainwater from their houses with buckets. Some of them even placed sand bags at the entrance to restrict the rainwater from entering their houses.

Commuters also faced a tough time on city roads due to waterlogging.

Holiday in city schools today

• Deputy Education Officer (Secondary) Baljit Kumar on Tuesday said the Deputy Commissioner announced a holiday in all government, aided and private schools in the city on Wednesday. He added that the decision has been taken due to waterlogging in streets.
• The power supply in the city was also disrupted. Since 3 am, the city faced a blackout as water entered power stations. 
• Besides, the blocked sewerage has intensified the problem as it has created a hurdle in disposal of rainwater in many areas. Downpour has led to panic among city residents as water is still accumulated on city roads. 
• The Met Department has predicted 70 mm rain on Wednesday.