In Balrampur district, Chhattisgarh, the Lutia Dam, a structure built approximately 40 years ago, collapsed due to heavy rainfall on Tuesday night. The breach resulted in the destruction of three houses situated below the dam. Tragically, eight individuals who were at home at the time, along with over 30 cows, bulls, and other livestock, were carried away by the floodwaters. While two bodies were recovered on Tuesday night, two more were found on Wednesday morning.
The NDRF team is currently conducting extensive search and rescue operations to locate the remaining missing persons. The village is now engulfed in grief following this devastating event. The Lutia Dam was completely filled with water before the collapse. The dam gave way around 10 p.m. on Tuesday, leading to extensive destruction in the surrounding areas, with three houses being completely destroyed.
Injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment at the district hospital. There are concerns about the fate of more than 30 cows, bulls, and other livestock that were also swept away. Eight people were carried away by the strong currents, leading to four confirmed deaths. Four individuals remain missing. The injured are receiving medical care at the district hospital. Locals reported that the dam had been experiencing significant water seepage for the past three to four years. The area surrounding the dam is characterized by forests and hills.
According to villagers, the dam was consistently filled with water during the rainy season. They had previously submitted multiple requests to the water resources department, seeking dam repairs, but their requests were ignored. The villagers have alleged that the dam was constructed in 1976-77 without adhering to quality standards, which subsequently led to this disaster.
The district collector and SP promptly arrived at the scene upon learning of the dam’s collapse, assessing the situation. An NDRF team was quickly deployed, and rescue operations were initiated. Immediate arrangements were made to provide relief supplies, food, and accommodation for the affected families. The district administration is actively working alongside the rescue teams at the scene.
Families affected by the event have expressed their dissatisfaction with the district administration, stating that only accommodation was provided in a panchayat भवन (building) and no other arrangements were made. The SDM responded by stating that arrangements for shelter and meals had been provided to the affected families. The district administration is assessing the loss of livestock, and relief efforts will be implemented promptly. The administration is fully committed to providing continuous support.