Karnal/Rohtak, Sept. 4 -- Kurukshetra bore the brunt of heavy overnight rain in Haryana, with 196 mm rainfall flooding at least 18 villages after the Markanda river rose above the danger mark, prompting the evacuation of 145 residents. Ambala and Yamunanagar also faced rising river levels, forcing deployment of state disaster response force teams and placing the army on standby, while Rohtak and Hisar administrations ordered closure of educational institutions amid continued downpour. Ladwa tehsil in Kurukshetra reported 196 mm rain overnight. The Markanda river flowed at 256.20 metres, above the danger mark of 256 metres, flooding at least 18 villages in Shahabad and Pehowa sub-divisions. An embankment near Naisi broke, threatening flooding in five more villages of Pehowa. Authorities have evacuated 145 people from Bajigar Colony and shifted them to safe shelters. DC Vishram Kumar Meena said roofs of 13 houses were damaged in the district due to rainfall. Superintendent of police Nitish Agarwal visited the affected areas of Tangaur, Kathwa, Kalsana, Bajigar Colony. The district recorded 105.6 mm rainfall in 24 hours, with Tangri river swelling to 40,500 cusecs against the danger mark of 15,400 cusecs, while Ghaggar crossed 22,000 cusecs against 20,000 cusecs at Shambhu barrier. DC Ajay Tomar has appealed to residents along the Ghaggar to vacate their houses and announced closure of all educational institutions till Thursday. Cabinet minister Anil Vij said the state disaster response force (SDRF) has been deployed and the army has been kept on standby.Vij has also asked Tomar to coordinate with the army and keep them on standby. In Kamulpur Tapu, the Yamuna river flooded several homes due to soil erosion. SDRF teams, along with QRT-1 led by inspector Satish Kumar and ASI Rajesh, evacuated families to safer areas. Barriers of trees and sandbags were raised to control erosion. Rescue teams in all three districts deployed boats, distributed food, and provided medical care to those stranded. CM Nayab Singh Saini was apprised of the situation. The DCs said damage to crops, property and houses will be assessed and compensation will follow after reports are finalised. In view of heavy rainfall, Rohtak deputy commissioner Sachin Gupta on Wednesday ordered closure of all government and private schools in the district until further orders. A district flood control room has been set up to assist citizens in case of emergencies. Officials of civic bodies, police, health and emergency services have been put on high alert to manage flood-like situations and carry out rescue if needed. Hisar DC, Anish Yadav, on Wednesday said that all schools in the district will be closed on Thursday (September 4)....