Over the past two days, Maharashtra has been hit by heavy rains and strong winds, resulting in the loss of 13 lives and injuries to 10 individuals. The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) reported that approximately 100 houses have been damaged, leading to hundreds of people being displaced due to severe flooding.
Recent data shows that coastal and western regions of Maharashtra have experienced intense rainfall over the last 24 to 48 hours. Lonavala received a significant 625 mm (24.71 inches) of rain in the past 48 hours, with other areas like Raigad, Thane, Ratnagiri, Palghar, and Mumbai also recording substantial rainfall.
The situation has led to overflowing water bodies across the state, with rivers like Ulhas, Kalu, and Pinjal surpassing their warning levels. Flood alerts have been issued for areas like Badlapur, Mohane, and Jambhulpada as several rivers have breached their danger marks.
Tragic incidents have been reported in various districts, with infrastructure failing under the storm’s pressure. In Mumbai, a building collapse in the Mankhurd area resulted in six fatalities and one injury, while other areas like Thane, Palghar, and Sindhudurg also reported casualties and injuries due to the adverse weather conditions.
A ‘Red Alert’ has been issued for hill stations like Matheran, Lonavala, Khopoli, and Lohagad due to the looming threat of landslides triggered by continuous heavy rainfall. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed to affected areas to assist in rescue operations and provide support to those in need.
Traffic disruptions have been widespread, with major highways facing blockages and landslides. Efforts are underway to restore traffic flow on affected routes, while areas like the Vidarbha region await their monsoon spell, with districts like Wardha, Akola, Amravati, Yavatmal, and Chandrapur yet to receive rainfall.
