In Balrampur district, Chhattisgarh, the Lutia Dam, approximately 40 years old, collapsed on Tuesday night due to heavy rainfall. Three houses located below the dam were completely destroyed. A total of eight people, who were sleeping in their homes, and over 30 cows, bulls, and other livestock were swept away by the flood. Two bodies were recovered that night, with two more found on Wednesday morning.
NDRF teams are conducting a rescue operation to search for the remaining missing individuals. The entire village is in mourning following the incident. The Lutia Dam was overflowing with water. The dam broke around 10 p.m. on Tuesday, causing widespread devastation in the surrounding area. Three houses located downstream were completely washed away.
Injured individuals are receiving treatment at the district hospital. There are also concerns about over 30 cows, bulls, and other livestock being washed away. Eight people were swept away in the strong current, resulting in four tragic deaths. Four people are still missing. Injured individuals are receiving treatment at the district hospital. Villagers reported significant water seepage from the dam over the past three to four years. The dam is surrounded by forests and hills.
Villagers stated that the area remained filled with water during the rainy season. They repeatedly submitted applications to the water resources department requesting dam repairs, but the department did not take any action. Villagers alleged that the dam was constructed in 1976-77, but the quality was not maintained, leading to this major incident.
The district collector and SP immediately reached the scene upon learning of the dam’s collapse and assessed the situation. An NDRF team was immediately called in, and rescue operations began. Immediate arrangements were made for relief materials, food, and accommodation for the families affected by the dam break. The district administration team is currently on-site with the rescue team.
Families affected by the incident allege that the district administration has only provided accommodation in a panchayat भवन (building), but no other arrangements have been made. The SDM stated that arrangements have been made for the accommodation and food of the affected families. The district administration team is assessing the damage to the livestock. Relief will be provided as soon as possible. The administration is continuously engaged in relief work.