Ranchi/Jamshedpur: The southwest monsoon has hit Jharkhand with unprecedented force, unleashing torrential rain across the state and disrupting daily life in multiple districts. In the past 24 hours alone, Jamshedpur recorded 247 mm of rainfall — the highest in the state — followed closely by Seraikela (237 mm) and Ranchi (over 150 mm).
The relentless downpour has brought daytime temperatures crashing below 25°C, an uncommon dip for mid-June, creating a chilly, waterlogged landscape.
One of the worst-hit locations is RIMS (Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences) in Ranchi, where rainwater has flooded the basement and ground floor of the hospital. Critical areas including the orthopedics ward, emergency department, dermatology unit, and isolation ward have been inundated, severely affecting patient care, staff operations, and hygiene.
Staff have blamed the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) for repeated negligence, citing poor drainage systems, lack of emergency preparedness, and delayed cleaning of hospital drains. Despite annual waterlogging woes, authorities have yet to find a permanent solution, raising serious questions about public infrastructure readiness.
As rain continues to lash the state, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for Ranchi, warning of extremely heavy rainfall through June 21. In response, the Ranchi Deputy Commissioner has ordered closure of all schools — government, private, NGO-run, and minority institutions — from Kindergarten to Class 12 on Thursday.
Transportation has also taken a hit. Waterlogging at the Tatanagar railway yard forced the South Eastern Railway to cancel over 20 trains, with others being diverted or short-terminated/originated to ensure passenger safety and maintain operational viability.
With more rain in the forecast, state authorities and emergency services remain on high alert as Jharkhand battles one of its most intense monsoon spells in recent years.
