A significant disaster occurred in the Balrampur district of Chhattisgarh when the Lutia dam, estimated to be around 40 years old, collapsed due to torrential rains on Tuesday night near the village of Dhanesh. Three houses located below the dam were entirely destroyed. Eight people, who were sleeping in their homes, and over 30 animals, including cows, bulls, and other livestock, were swept away by the floodwaters. Two bodies were recovered on Tuesday night, with an additional two recovered on Wednesday morning.
An NDRF team is currently engaged in rescue operations, searching for the remaining missing individuals. The village is overwhelmed with grief in the wake of the tragedy. The Lutia dam was filled to its capacity. The dam collapsed at approximately 10 p.m. on Tuesday, causing widespread devastation. Three houses located directly below the dam were washed away.
Injured individuals are receiving treatment at the district hospital. There are also concerns about the loss of more than 30 cattle. Eight individuals were carried away by the strong currents, resulting in four confirmed fatalities. Four people remain missing. Injured individuals are being treated at the district hospital. Locals reported that the dam had been leaking significantly for the past three to four years. They had filed numerous requests with the Water Resources Department to repair the dam, but no action was taken. The villagers expressed that the dam, constructed in 1976-77, was built with poor quality, contributing to the scale of the disaster.
The District Collector and SP immediately reached the site to assess the situation. The NDRF team was promptly called in, and rescue operations were initiated. Arrangements were rapidly made for relief materials, including food and temporary shelter, for the affected families. The district administration is currently present at the site with the rescue team. Families affected by the incident claim the district administration has only provided shelter at the Panchayat Bhavan, with no further assistance. The SDM has stated that provisions have been made for the affected families regarding accommodation and food. The district administration is in the process of assessing the losses to livestock, and aid will be provided accordingly, continuing with relief work.