Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has advised citizens to limit travel and stay indoors due to heavy rainfall in Maharashtra, especially in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Thane, Raigad, Palghar, Pune, and Nashik districts. The region is expected to face intense rainfall until July 6, with warnings of gusty winds and stormy conditions. Fadnavis emphasized the importance of heeding alerts and safety measures, as certain areas may receive rainfall well above normal levels.
The state government is actively sending automated SMS alerts every three hours to residents in high-risk zones to keep them informed. Schools in various areas have been closed as a precautionary measure to prevent accidents during severe weather conditions. Fadnavis assured that disaster response forces are on standby to provide immediate assistance in affected regions.
Meteorological reports indicate the formation of an offshore trough from Maharashtra to Karnataka, contributing to the ongoing heavy rainfall. Additionally, a low-pressure area in the Northwest Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify, leading to a significant surge in rainfall intensity across Konkan and Madhya Maharashtra’s ghat areas from July 4 to July 7. The India Meteorological Department has issued a “Red Alert” for Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar districts, forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.
In response to criticism regarding potholes on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Fadnavis clarified that only two potholes exist at the connecting joint, with no other issues along the highway. He acknowledged the need for maintenance after the initial rain and emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing infrastructure concerns promptly. Meanwhile, a road collapse in Bhandup caused by heavy monsoon rains resulted in traffic disruptions but fortunately no casualties.
