Maharashtra continues to grapple with extreme weather as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) extended the orange alert for the Madhya Maharashtra ghats till Friday. Heavy to very heavy rainfall across the Konkan and central districts has disrupted life, inundated roads, and tragically claimed lives, highlighting the vulnerability of the region to monsoon hazards.
Dodamarg in Sindhudurg recorded the highest rainfall at 170mm in the past 24 hours, with Sawantwadi following at 140mm. Other parts of Ratnagiri, including Kudal, Vaibhavwadi, Mulde, Sangameshwar, Devrukh, Lanja, and Rajapur, also reported significant rainfall ranging from 70mm to 110mm. The intense precipitation has led to flash floods, swollen rivers, and widespread waterlogging. Authorities confirmed seven additional deaths across the state in the last 24 hours. Four individuals succumbed to lightning strikes in Nagpur, one in Nashik, and two drowned in floodwaters in Beed. In Dharur taluka, floodwaters swept away a car and an autorickshaw over the Wan river bridge, resulting in one fatality, while rescue operations continue for the autorickshaw driver.
In Nanded, Degloor and Naigaon talukas faced severe flooding, prompting the evacuation of over 2,300 residents. Latur district also saw road closures, with 49 routes temporarily shut. Rescue teams in Shirur Anantpal taluka assisted stranded populations, while a pregnant woman in Bhamragad was evacuated safely by boat from rising Indravati river waters. Officials emphasised that these operations prioritise safety while ensuring minimal disruption to local communities. In Kolambi village of Naigaon taluka, 20 individuals, including 18 students, were trapped inside a bus due to flash floods. They were successfully rescued, illustrating the swift response of local disaster management authorities. Train services were also affected, with 19 trains, including Jalna-Nagarsol and Jalna-Nanded routes, cancelled to prevent accidents on waterlogged tracks.
Disaster management officials across districts urged citizens to exercise caution, avoid traversing flooded roads, and comply with evacuation directives. Authorities are closely monitoring water levels in rivers and dam reservoirs while coordinating with state and central agencies to ensure timely assistance. The extended IMD alert underscores the continuing threat of monsoon-related hazards in Maharashtra. Officials highlighted that preparedness, rapid response, and public vigilance remain crucial to mitigating risks and safeguarding lives in the affected regions.
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