What Are the Consequences of Heavy Rainfall in Maharashtra?
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Synopsis
Maharashtra is grappling with catastrophic floods as heavy rains claim lives and wreak havoc on agriculture. With forecasts predicting further downpours, authorities urge caution. Discover the unfolding situation and the government’s response to this natural disaster.
Key Takeaways
- Eight fatalities reported due to flooding in Maharashtra.
- Heavy rainfall continues to affect various regions.
- Over 300 individuals evacuated to safer locations.
- 4.5 lakh hectares of farmland damaged, impacting agriculture.
- Schools closed in affected areas to ensure student safety.
Mumbai, Aug 19 (NationPress) At least eight individuals have lost their lives due to the relentless rainfall and flooding that has impacted various regions of Maharashtra. The Weather Department has predicted that heavy downpours will persist on Tuesday and are expected to continue until August 21.
Rain affected all areas of the state on Sunday and Monday, with intensive rainfall forecasted to continue in Mumbai for the next two days before tapering off by Friday. An alert has been issued for extremely heavy rains in the districts of Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar on Tuesday, urging residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary.
In the Nanded district, a tragic report indicates that at least five people have died and six are unaccounted for in the floods. Preliminary reports suggest that approximately 150 animals have also perished. Rescue teams successfully saved 293 individuals trapped by the flooding. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) deployed a team in the Mukhed area for rescue efforts, with assistance from the Army dispatched from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. One fatality occurred in Beed, while three individuals were rescued from the floods, and another person died when a wall collapsed in Akola.
In South Mumbai, a retaining wall collapse at Shimla House in the Nepean Sea Road area of Malabar Hill resulted in the death of one person around 11:30 a.m. on Monday, identified as Satish Tirke.
A young man, Vardan Janjotar (24), is still missing after falling into the Mithi River from the BKC bridge near the Kanakia Palace building in Bandra. Rescue efforts by the fire brigade continued late into Monday night.
The state government's disaster management control center reported that rescue teams have evacuated more than 300 individuals to safer locations.
Preliminary assessments reveal that 4.5 lakh hectares of farmland have suffered damage statewide. Six to seven villages in Mukhed taluka of Nanded are experiencing flood-like conditions due to a cloudburst. On Monday, a team from the Central Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was sent to Kaudgaon in Beed district.
In the Konkan region, rivers including the Jagbudi, Shastri, and Kodavali in Ratnagiri and the Kundalika in Raigad have surpassed danger levels. Reports indicate that two lakh hectares of crops in Vidarbha and approximately 2.59 lakh hectares in Nanded and Beed districts of Marathwada have been severely impacted, with turmeric, cotton, and soybean crops being the most affected.
As heavy rains continue to batter Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Konkan, Western Maharashtra, Vidarbha, and Marathwada since Sunday night, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has reviewed the situation and ordered revenue, emergency, and police departments to remain on high alert and assist in relief efforts.
Traffic congestion was widespread across Mumbai on Monday due to waterlogged roads in various low-lying areas. Suburban train speeds were also reduced because of water accumulation on the tracks. Students faced significant challenges as school buses encountered flooded streets.
According to the state emergency operation center, Mumbai city, its suburbs, and Thane district have experienced heavy rainfall for three consecutive days. Rainfall intensified on Monday, with significant levels recorded in areas such as Mulund, Bhandup, Ghatkopar, Kurla, Sion, Jogeshwari, Borivali, Malad, Andheri, Santa Cruz, and Colaba. The Colaba meteorological center reported 45.2 mm of rainfall from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, while Santa Cruz recorded 123.9 mm. In Thane, 101.4 mm of rain was also noted.
In light of the severe weather predictions, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation declared a holiday for schools for the second session starting after noon on Monday. Schools and colleges in Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai remain closed on Tuesday following the weather bureau's warnings. The government has instructed District Collectors to determine whether to declare holidays for educational institutions in response to the situation.
Point of View
It's crucial to understand that the situation in Maharashtra is dire, with lives lost and livelihoods disrupted. The government's proactive response is commendable, yet the scale of the disaster calls for sustained efforts and support from all sectors to aid those affected. NationPress stands firmly with the people during this challenging time.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people have died due to the floods in Maharashtra?
At least eight individuals have lost their lives due to the flooding caused by heavy rains in Maharashtra.
What regions in Maharashtra are most affected by the rain?
Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Nanded are among the regions severely impacted by the heavy rainfall and flooding.
What measures are being taken to assist those affected by the floods?
Rescue teams have evacuated over 300 individuals, and the government is actively coordinating relief efforts in the affected areas.
How much farmland has been damaged due to the heavy rain?
Preliminary estimates indicate that approximately 4.5 lakh hectares of farmland have suffered damage across the state.
Are schools closed due to the severe weather conditions?
Yes, schools and colleges in Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai were closed in response to the predictions of heavy rainfall.
