Chennai floods
Chennai floodsWikimedia commons

At least 15 people have been killed and 200 injured after torrential rains hit Madhya Pradesh over the last 24 hours triggering flash floods across the state.

An official from the Relief Commissioner Office told International Business Times, India, that hundreds of people have been rescued so far including 10 people who were rescued with the help of an Indian Air Force helicopter. Boats are also being used to reach the affected areas and rescue people.

A team of around 45 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) soldiers, 5000 jawans of MP Home Guards along with the assistance of the local police and the people are currently involved in the rescue operations that are being carried out across the state, the official added.

The rescued are being sent to safe locations like schools, colleges and other temporary shelters that have been set up for the affected people. The official further added that they were being provided food and will also be provided with all the help they need to construct their new houses since the floods have caused a lot of damage to property.

MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been continuously monitoring the situation and visiting flood-hit areas to take stock of the damage. He also spoke to Home Minister Rajnath Singh to brief him on the situation and said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would also be given a brief on the flood situation in the state eventually.

Chouhan will also get in touch with Rail Minister Suresh Prabhu for help to repair the damage done to railway tracks due to the floods.

A major problem, Chouhan said, was the outbreak of diseases once the water level recedes. The Health Board has been instructed to work along with the Nagar Nigam to provide the required medical help and safe drinking water to citizens. They have also been told to take appropriate measures to tackle the outbreak of diseases.

Chouhan had also chaired a high level review meeting earlier during the day to assess the damage caused due to floods. He has said that the situation is under control now with water level receding in most areas including Rewa, Sagar, Jabalpur, Narsinghpur and Bhopal. He also appreciated the efforts of the rescue teams including the State Disaster Response Force and the local people.

The CM has also asked all authorities to remain alert since there are chances of heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours.

"Aid of Rs 1 lakh each will be given to the kin of the deceased persons. We have asked for Rs.100 crore from the Central fund," Bhopal Mayor Alok Sharma was quoted by ANI as saying.