The Chhattisgarh government has declared a holiday for all schools across the state on Saturday, September 26, 2026, due to continuous heavy rain that has caused flooding and waterlogging in several districts. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced the closure of all government, private, and aided schools, stating that the safety of students is the top priority.
Two rain-related deaths have been reported. A woman died when a mud house collapsed in the Kurandi area of Bastar district, and a 40-year-old farmer drowned after falling into a flooded drain while catching fish in a paddy field in Kondagaon district [citation:3].
Flooding Across the State
Heavy rain over the past two days has caused water levels in several rivers, including the Indravati, Mahanadi, and Shivnath, to rise. Low-lying areas of several cities and towns are facing waterlogging [citation:1].
In the capital Raipur, areas including Bhatagaon, Sundar Nagar, Mahadev Ghat, Professor Colony, Purana Vidhan Sabha Road, and Saddu are waterlogged. The road connecting Raipur to Patan and Durg via Mahadev Ghat has been submerged, disrupting commuter movement [citation:3][citation:9].
In the Bastar region, floodwater entered houses in low-lying colonies of Jagdalpur, and parts of National Highway-30 were submerged. Several villages in Sukma and Bijapur districts have been cut off [citation:15][citation:17].
Dam Gates Opened After 28 Years
In Dhamtari district, the Gangrel Dam reached full capacity following sustained rain. All 14 gates of the dam were opened, releasing over 2.5 lakh cusecs of water into the Mahanadi river [citation:5]. This is the first time all gates have been opened since 1998 [citation:5].
The release has put 18 riverside villages in Mahasamund district on alert [citation:4]. Water levels at the Mahmara Anicut on the Shivnath River also rose rapidly, prompting heightened vigilance by the Irrigation Department [citation:3].
In Balodabazar district, 17 people from three families were trapped in a field near Bijradih as Mahanadi water levels rose. Police, revenue officials, and an SDRF rescue team were deployed to evacuate them [citation:14].
CM Issues Safety Advisory
Chief Minister Sai directed district collectors to remain alert and carry out relief and rescue work. He asked authorities to warn people in time if water levels rise or there is a danger of floods, and to move people to safe places immediately if needed [citation:1].
In a post on X, the Chief Minister said: ‘In view of the heavy rain in Chhattisgarh, keeping the safety of students paramount, a holiday has been declared tomorrow (September 26) for all government, non-government, and aided schools. Parents are requested to keep children at home. Everyone is requested to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel.’
He also issued a public advisory: ‘Citizens should prioritise their own safety and that of their families. Follow the guidelines issued by the administration. Do not go near rivers, streams, waterfalls, or overflowing water bodies. Under no circumstances should you attempt to cross submerged bridges, culverts, or roads. Strictly adhere to administrative instructions at locations where safety barriers have been installed.’
The Chief Minister stated that in case of any emergency, citizens should immediately dial 112 or seek help from the local administration [citation:3].
Weather Alerts Continue
The India Meteorological Department has issued a red warning for very heavy rainfall over Chhattisgarh. A deep depression over south Odisha and adjoining south Chhattisgarh is moving north-northwestwards and is expected to weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area [citation:6].
An orange alert has been issued for several districts, including Sukma, Bijapur, Dantewada, Bastar, Kanker, Dhamtari, Balod, Rajnandgaon, Gariaband, Mahasamund, and Raipur, with forecasts of thunderstorms and heavy rain [citation:3].
According to the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Chhattisgarh has received 1,082.4 mm of rainfall between June 1 and September 25, which is 100.1 percent of the state’s 10-year seasonal average. The state received an average of 52.8 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours preceding the latest assessment [citation:15].
District administrations in Dantewada, Bijapur, Kondagaon, Kanker, Bastar, Gariaband, Dhamtari, and Durg had already declared school holidays earlier in the week. Quarterly examinations scheduled in government schools in those areas have been postponed [citation:15][citation:17].
