Incessant and heavy downpours disrupted usual life across Jharkhand on Saturday, resulting in inundated low-lying areas, affecting vehicular movement and putting several rivers in spate, officials said. People across the state were sighted wading through knee-deep water in some areas, while several vehicles were stranded on the flooded roads. As the weather conditions deteriorated, the administration in several districts, including Ranchi and Jamshedpur, ordered the suspension of classes from kindergarten to Class 12 on Saturday.

According to officials, non-stop spells of rains since September 23 culminated in flood-like situations in several districts of Jharkhand. However, an improvement in the weather conditions is likely from Sunday as the weather system responsible for bringing rainfall is likely to weaken by late Saturday.

Rivers breach danger marks

A concerning situation emerged from East Singhbhum, where both the Subernarekha and Kharkai River flowed well above their respective danger levels. The former was recorded flowing 2.02 metres above the danger mark, while the latter had risen 4.50 metres above the danger level, officials aware of the development said. East Singhbhum’s Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Ranjan urged the residents to stay away from riverbanks and move to safer areas.

Ranjan wrote on his official ‘X’ handle, “The water level of the Subernarekha and Kharkai rivers is above the danger mark. Citizens are urged not to go near the riverbanks, to take shelter in safe high places, and to follow the instructions of the district administration.”

Meanwhile, authorities in the rain-hit areas have pleaded with the residents to remain alert and follow the directives issued by the district administration.

Ranchi records surge in dam levels

In state capital Ranchi, the water level of Kanke Dam surged to 27.05 feet against its full capacity of 28 feet, another official told the media. Water levels have shot up in the city’s Hatia and Getalsud dams too, following widespread rainfall.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the depression over North Chhattisgarh and adjoining northeast Madhya Pradesh had moved north-northwestwards. It was likely to continue moving in the same direction and gradually weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area over the subsequent 12 hours.

On Sunday, the weakening system is likely to provide respite to the state from incessant rain showers.

Rain deficit narrows to 3%

The widespread showers have also helped slash Jharkhand’s overall rainfall deficit. The state posted 962.6 mm of rain from June 1 to September 25, 2026, against the normal rainfall of 992 mm, cutting down the deficit to 3% on Friday.

However, rainfall remains deficient in 8 districts of the state. Pakur assumes the top spot on the list with 51%, followed by Chatra at 36% and Sahibganj at 33%. The IMD classification mentioned that a rainfall deviation of up to 19% is considered normal.

On the other hand, 8 districts have registered surplus rainfall. West Singhbhum led the chart with a 47% surplus, followed by Seraikela-Kharsawan at 21% and Ranchi at 15%.