Maharashtra is currently facing a severe rainfall crisis, with reports indicating that at least ten people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents across the state in the past 24 hours. Authorities have initiated large-scale rescue operations, evacuating over 11,800 individuals from various flood-affected areas. Mumbai, in particular, has been hit by heavy showers, experiencing intermittent downpours since Saturday night and Sunday.
The state disaster management department and other officials have confirmed that Nashik district reported four deaths, with three attributed to a house collapse. Dharashiv and Ahilyanagar each recorded two fatalities, while Jalna and Yavatmal reported one death each. This grim toll highlights the severity of the ongoing weather situation.
Marathwada, one of the worst-hit regions, is witnessing a surge in water levels in the Jayakwadi dam on the Godavari river. Consequently, all gates of the dam have been opened. Approximately 7,000 people have been evacuated from Paithan in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar due to flood concerns, with the Harsul circle alone recording 196 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours. Other Marathwada districts like Beed, Nanded, and Parbhani have also experienced significant rainfall.
In response to the escalating crisis, 16 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed across Maharashtra, with two additional teams on standby in Pune. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been actively monitoring the rainfall situation and relief efforts, particularly in the eight affected districts of Marathwada and Solapur, urging authorities to intensify their ground operations.
Mumbai’s Rainfall Situation:
Mumbai and its surrounding areas have been subject to heavy downpours since Saturday night. On Sunday, intermittent showers lashed the city and suburbs, with some localities receiving over 50 mm of rainfall between 8 am and 1 pm, as reported by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). While the intensity of the rain decreased in the afternoon, the impact on infrastructure was minimal, with road and rail services largely unaffected. Key underpasses and junctions remained operational, ensuring smooth traffic flow.
The city recorded an average rainfall of 47.47 mm between 8 am and 1 pm on Sunday, with western suburbs receiving 53.61 mm and eastern suburbs 37.92 mm. Neighboring Thane and Palghar districts also experienced heavy rainfall, leading to the rescue of 262 people from 71 families in Thane’s Bhiwandi taluka.
Rescue Operations Underway:
Rescue operations are in full swing in parts of Beed, Nanded, and Parbhani districts. NDRF teams have successfully rescued 12 individuals stranded at the Sangvi temple in Beed’s Aashti taluka, and approximately 970 residents in Nanded Municipal Corporation were relocated to safer locations.
The Godavari river in Nanded district is flowing close to the warning level. In Dharashiv, the rainfall intensity has reduced, allowing authorities to focus on assisting affected families. However, the release of 75,500 cusecs from the Sina Kolegaon dam has caused flooding in low-lying areas of Paranda, prompting the evacuation of 3,615 people.
Rainfall Forecast:
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted moderate to heavy rain and thundershowers in several parts of Maharashtra until October 4th. A ‘red alert’ has been issued for Nashik district, warning of heavy to very heavy showers and strong winds on Sunday and Monday, with further heavy rain expected on Tuesday. Solapur in western Maharashtra has also reported significant rainfall, causing damage to crops.