The Potka block in East Singhbhum district witnessed widespread destruction following heavy rainfall late on Saturday. Several villages in the area faced a flood-like situation. The Love Kush English School hostel in Pandarshuli village, located near the Gudra River, was impacted as the river’s water level surpassed the danger mark. The incident occurred when 162 children were sleeping in the hostel, and water started seeping in.
As the water level rose, all the children climbed onto the roof to safety and remained there for five hours, experiencing fear. Upon receiving the information, the people of Pandarshuli and nearby villages reached the spot at night. The villagers immediately informed the administration. Administrative officials including BDO Arun Kumar Munda, CO Nikita Bala, and Kowali police station in-charge Dhananjay Paswan began rescue and relief operations early on Sunday. With the combined efforts of the villagers and the administration, all children were safely rescued using ropes and moved to a higher ground, thus avoiding a major incident. During the night-long rescue operation, the children’s families and the villagers were in a state of fear and concern.
Meanwhile, the rising water level of the Gudra River caused water to flow over several important bridges, resulting in a complete halt to movement in the area. The village of Nidhidipa also experienced flooding due to the rain. Several houses in the village were flooded, many goats were swept away, and a car was also washed away in the strong current. Similarly, the Khadaband Primary School was also flooded by the river water, which entered the school premises. The villagers are frightened by this natural disaster. The administration announced that relief work is ongoing and all those affected would be sheltered in safe places until the water level returns to normal.