Maharashtra is reeling under the impact of relentless monsoon rains that have claimed 21 lives and injured 10 others over the past four days. From urban centers like Mumbai and Thane to rural districts such as Nanded and Beed, the state has witnessed widespread devastation, prompting red and orange alerts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Deaths and Disruptions
The fatalities have been linked to wall collapses, electrocution, and drowning incidents, with rescue teams deployed across vulnerable zones. Nanded district alone reported eight deaths, making it one of the worst-hit regions.
- Five people remain missing, and hundreds have been evacuated from flood-prone areas near the Mithi and Vaitarna rivers.
- 350+ residents were rescued after the Mithi river breached its danger mark.
Transport Chaos
Mumbai’s lifeline — its local train network — has been severely affected, with 17 services cancelled due to waterlogged tracks. Monorail operations were also disrupted, stranding hundreds of passengers between stations.
- Flights delayed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, with airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet issuing travel advisories.
Schools Shut, Dams Overflowing
Authorities have ordered the closure of schools and colleges in Thane, Raigad, Lonavala, Satara, and Mahabaleshwar, citing safety concerns. The Modak Sagar Dam is at 98% capacity, while the Koyna Dam has released over 93,000 cusecs of water, raising fears of downstream flooding.
IMD Alerts and Forecast
- Red alert issued for Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Palghar, and Raigad.
- Rainfall intensity expected to ease slightly from Thursday, though intermittent showers will persist.
