Maharashtra Monsoon Update: 8 Dead So Far As Heavy Rains Batter State; IMD Issues Alert

Mumbai: Maharashtra has been grappling with widespread devastation as heavy rains over the past three days claimed eight lives and caused large-scale disruption across multiple districts. Fatalities were reported from Pune (3), Jalna (2) and one each from Mumbai, Raigad and Ahilyanagar. Victims succumbed to incidents involving lightning strikes, wall collapses, tree falls, and drowning. Two others have sustained injuries and are being treated in government hospitals.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in a cabinet meeting held on Monday, directed the administration to release immediate ex gratia compensation to the families of the deceased and extend relief for crop damages under disaster norms. He also ordered a rapid assessment of the damage to homes, infrastructure, and farmlands.

The Marathwada region bore the brunt of the deluge. Latur received 206.5 mm rainfall over three days, while Ahilyanagar registered 201.2 mm. Floodwaters inundated fields and homes, resulting in massive agricultural losses. In Latur, overflowing barrages led to the release of 1,441 cusecs of water, causing the Rena River to swell. In Ahilyanagar, 15 residents stranded near the Walumba River were successfully rescued.

Red Alert For Konkan Region, Orange For Western Ghats

Rainfall also affected Beed, Washim, Nanded, Solapur, and Jalna, with officials warning of extensive crop damage. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, and Kolhapur, and an orange alert for Raigad, Satara, Pune Ghat, Chandrapur, and Gadchiroli.

NDRF Teams Deployed

The state deployed 18 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, with 10 assigned to monsoon emergencies. Two teams are stationed in Mumbai and Thane, with others in key districts. Six State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are also on standby, including those active in Gadchiroli and Nanded. Additionally, eight cattle deaths were reported due to rain-related incidents.

Mumbai faced severe waterlogging, including a road cave-in at Breach Candy and flooding at the state secretariat, Mantralaya. In response, Mumbai guardian minister Ashish Shelar proposed a white paper on city infrastructure, blaming project delays on the previous Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.

However, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray hit back, accusing the current BJP-Shinde administration of ignoring drainage systems and allowing corruption. “Despite May rains, no preparation was done,” he said, demanding compensation and accusing Eknath Shinde of misgovernance, calling him “Bhrashtnath.” The political blame game continued, with Shiv Sena spokesperson Naresh Mhaske claiming Shinde was earlier sidelined from Mumbai affairs by Sanjay Raut and the Thackerays.

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