Torrential rains in the Potka block of East Singhbhum district led to widespread devastation late Saturday. The heavy rainfall resulted in flood-like conditions in several villages within Potka. The Love Kush English School hostel in Pandarshuli village, near the Gudra River, was severely affected when the river’s water level rose beyond the danger mark. The incident unfolded as 162 children were asleep in the hostel, with water gradually entering the building. To escape the rising water, all the children climbed onto the roof and remained there for five hours, experiencing fear and uncertainty.
Upon receiving the news, residents of Pandarshuli and surrounding villages rushed to the scene during the night. The villagers promptly alerted the administration. BDO Arun Kumar Munda, CO Nikita Bala, Kowali police station in-charge Dhananjay Paswan, and other administrative officials initiated rescue and relief operations early on Sunday morning. Working alongside the villagers, the administration safely evacuated all the children using ropes, moving them to a safer location, thereby preventing a major crisis. The families of the children and the villagers were filled with fear and worry throughout the night-long rescue operation.
In addition, the escalating water level of the Gudra River caused water to overflow several key bridges, resulting in a complete disruption of transportation in the area. Nidhidipa village also experienced severe flooding due to the rain. Numerous homes in the village were inundated, resulting in the loss of several goats and a car being swept away by the strong currents. Likewise, the Khadaband Primary School was flooded as river water entered the school premises. The local villagers are in a state of fear because of this natural disaster. The administration has stated that relief operations are ongoing, and all affected individuals will be housed in secure locations until the water levels return to normal.