The Indian state of Maharashtra is experiencing heavy monsoon rains, which are causing devastation in various regions. Red alerts for Thane, Raigad, Pune, and Palghar have been issued by IMD ( India Meteorological Department), indicating that severe to very heavy rainfall is expected. In addition, an ‘orange warning’ has been issued for the districts of Mumbai and Ratnagiri. Authorities have taken precautionary steps, including issuing school holidays in several regions, in response to the situation. A catastrophic landslide in Raigad area has already claimed lives and imprisoned many others. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) troops on the ground.
Landslide Tragedy in Raigad District
A horrific landslide rocked a tribal community in Raigad region on Wednesday night, claiming at least 16 lives. The accident has left the region in shambles, and rescue crews have been working around the clock to identify and save lives. So far, 98 individuals have been rescued from the debris and loose earth, but more than 100 are still believed to be trapped. The occurrence is the greatest landslide disaster in Maharashtra since the deadly one that struck Malin village in Pune district on July 30, 2014.
Government’s Response and Compensation to Red Alert
In the aftermath of the heartbreaking tragedy, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the site to assess the situation and extend support to the rescue teams. The government has announced compensation of ₹5 lakh for each deceased person’s family and committed to covering the medical expenses of the injured. This response aims to provide some relief to the affected families during this difficult time.
Weather Woes in Mumbai
Mumbai, the state capital of Maharashtra, has also been subjected to heavy rains in recent days. The downpour’s intensity has increased, causing substantial interruptions in the city’s everyday activity. Over 100 local trains have been canceled, and major traffic bottlenecks have become the norm. The crisis has forced local governments to take precautionary steps to safeguard inhabitants’ safety.
In response to the ongoing heavy rainfall and flood risks, the IMD has issued ‘orange alerts’ for Mumbai and Ratnagiri districts, indicating the need for preparedness for adverse weather conditions. In the severely affected districts of Thane, Raigad, Pune, and Palghar, ‘red alerts’ have been sounded to warn residents and authorities about the potential for heavy to very heavy rainfall.
The state government has taken precautionary steps to protect the safety of its citizens. Schools in Palghar and Thane have been declared closed on Friday and Saturday, considering the ‘red alert’ issued by the IMD. Additionally, 355 schools in Pune’s hilly regions, including Ambegaon, Khed, Junnar, Bhor, Purandar, Mulshi, and Maval talukas, will also remain closed on Friday due to the weather situation.
Rescue Operations and Warnings
Six NDRF teams have been deployed in several districts, including Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Kolhapur, and Sangli, in response to widespread heavy rainfall and flood concerns. These teams are working nonstop to assist affected areas and give assistance and support.
The weather in Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar is predicted to improve in the next three to four days, bringing some relief from the relentless rains. As of 8 a.m. on Friday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation reported an average of 27.50 mm rainfall in Mumbai during the previous 24 hours.
Rivers like the Vashishti and Jagbudi in Ratnagiri, Kundalika, Amba, Savitri, and Patalganga in Raigad, and Kolhapur’s Panchganga are running above the danger line, prompting officials to issue warnings.
High tides have also been issued for coastal locations near these rivers.
Authorities are encouraging locals to be attentive, observe safety instructions, and cooperate with rescue and relief personnel as the situation remains serious.
Maharashtra is experiencing one of the most difficult monsoon seasons on record, with torrential rains inflicting havoc in various districts. The landslide in Raigad district has already claimed several lives, and rescue efforts to discover survivors are still on. While the state faces the unrelenting rain, the government and rescue teams are collaborating to give help and support to the impacted communities. Residents must remain vigilant and take the appropriate steps to keep safe during this challenging period.
