Maharashtra is on high alert as torrential rains continue to batter the state, resulting in a tragic loss of life and widespread disruption. At least 12 people have died due to rain-related incidents, with Nanded district being the worst hit, reporting 9 deaths. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts, including Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, and the ghat areas of Pune and Satara, warning of extremely heavy rainfall in the coming days.
The heavy downpour has caused rivers to cross danger levels, submerging vast tracts of agricultural land and disrupting daily life. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stated that over 10 lakh acres of cropland have been submerged across Maharashtra. In the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar region, over 800 villages have been affected, with one lakh hectares of farmland impacted.
Nanded district has been particularly devastated, with a cloudburst-like situation reported in Mukhed, where 206 mm of rainfall was recorded in a short span. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with military personnel, are conducting rescue operations in the district. Approximately 300 people from four villages in Mukhed taluka were stranded due to the heavy rainfall and flooding from the Lendi river and neighboring regions. Preliminary reports indicate that around 150 animals have also perished in the floods. Rescue teams have managed to save 293 people trapped in the floods.
Mumbai has also been severely affected by the incessant rains. On Monday, 177 mm of rain was recorded within six hours, bringing the city to a standstill. Several flights were diverted, schools and colleges announced holidays, and local train services were disrupted due to waterlogging. The Central Railway suspended its local train services on the harbour line between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Kurla stations due to tracks being submerged. Waterlogging has been reported in several low-lying areas, including Gulalwadi, Sewri, Nagpada, and Hindmata junction, causing traffic congestion. Some areas of Mumbai have received massive amounts of rainfall, with Chincholi recording over 336 mm in the past 24 hours.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has held review meetings with state government officials and ordered administrative machinery to be prepared. He stated that around 16 districts are on red or orange alert until August 21. Schools and colleges in Mumbai and Thane remained closed on Tuesday due to the red alert. The government has ordered panchanamas to assess the damage in affected districts and is coordinating with Telangana and Karnataka to manage water discharge from dams.
The IMD has forecast continued heavy to very heavy rainfall in Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad until Tuesday, with extremely heavy showers in isolated locations. A red alert has been issued for these districts, advising people to stay indoors unless necessary. Squally weather with wind speeds reaching 45-55 kmph and gusting up to 65 kmph is expected along the North Konkan coasts. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea during this period.
