CHIEFMinister Dr Mohan Yadav on Sunday visited flood-affected areas of Chitrakoot and took stock of the damage caused after the swollen Mandakini and Semrawal rivers inundated several parts of the town. Walking through muddy and waterlogged streets, the Chief Minister met affected families, inspected damaged houses and shops, and assured people that the government would provide all possible assistance and compensation as per prescribed norms. Dr Yadav, who arrived in Chitrakoot from Rewa, said the entire government stood with the people affected by the flood. He said the flooding had caused extensive damage to houses and infrastructure after water entered residential and commercial areas. The Chief Minister first visited a relief camp set up near the ancient Mukhar Vind temple, where he interacted with floodaffected families and enquired about their well-being. He distributed clothes, household items, foodgrains and other essential relief material among those staying at the camp. Among those present at the shelter was a group of devotees from Baberu in Banda district of Uttar Pradesh, who had arrived in Chitrakoot for darshan of Kamtanath Swami but were unable to return due to floodwaters. According to the information, the devotees informed the Chief Minister that the administration had arranged food, drinking water and refreshments for them at the shelter. In one of the most visible parts of his visit, Dr Yadav undertook an onfoot inspection of the flood-hit Ramdham locality. He walked through muddy and waterlogged roads to reach the houses of affected residents and assess the damage caused by the flooding. Dr Yadav directed district officials to remain in Chitrakoot until normalcy is restored and ensure that every affected family receives necessary assistance.

 

He stressed that relief operations should be carried out promptly and sensitively and that there should be no shortcomings in providing essential facilities to people affected by the disaster. Speaking to media persons after the inspection, the Chief Minister said continuous heavy rainfall over the past few days had raised the water levels of the Mandakini and Semrawal rivers, resulting in flooding in several parts of Chitrakoot. Household belongings and infrastructure were damaged as floodwaters entered residential areas. He said the prompt response of the district administration had helped prevent any loss of life so far. The administration had remained alert in view of the weather forecast and was continuing rescue and relief operations in the affected areas. Dr Yadav said the immediate priority was to ensure food, clothing, drinking water, medical care and other essential facilities for all flood-affected people. He added that dry ration and other relief materials should reach every affected family without delay. The Chief Minister said a detailed assessment of the damage caused by the floods would be carried out, including losses to livestock and other property.Affected families would be provided relief and financial assistance as per government norms. Dr Yadav had stayed in Rewa on Saturday night and reviewed the flood situation in Satna and Rewa districts before visiting Chitrakoot on Sunday. He said relief efforts would continue until the water recedes and affected residents are able to safely return to their homes.