Mumbai: Several regions of Maharashtra, including Pune and Nashik, are grappling with severe flooding following relentless heavy rainfall. In Nashik’s Malegaon, twelve individuals are stranded due to a significant rise in the Girna river’s water level. Disaster response teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the fire department are actively working to rescue those affected.
Nashik Flood Situation
Nashik has experienced 250 mm of rainfall in the past 48 hours, leading to critical water levels in local water bodies. The Gangapur dam released water last night after reaching 86% capacity. Additionally, a 29-year-old man is missing following the rise in Godavari river levels. In response, local authorities have removed several shops along the riverbank and alerted residents about potential dangers.
Flooding in Pune
In Pune, areas such as Ekta Nagar are inundated, forcing several families to evacuate their homes. The Army has been called in to assist with rescue operations in the most affected areas. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is scheduled to visit waterlogged areas in Pune today, including the Singhad Road area, to inspect the damage and speak with residents.
Heavy rainfall in Palghar district has resulted in low visibility, causing a road crash involving four speeding bikes. Seven people were injured, with four in critical condition.
The weather department has issued warnings for additional rainfall in Pune, Nashik, Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Satara, and Ratnagiri, urging residents to take necessary precautions.
National Impact of Monsoon Fury
Monsoon season has wreaked havoc across various parts of India this year:
Kerala: Over 300 people have perished in landslides in Wayanad.
Himachal Pradesh: Flash floods have claimed 13 lives, with several individuals still missing.
Jammu and Kashmir: A cloudburst has led to the closure of the Srinagar-Leh national highway, severing the Kashmir Valley from Ladakh.
Uttar Pradesh: Floods continue to affect six districts, resulting in five fatalities from rain-related incidents.
As Maharashtra battles severe floods, the coordinated efforts of the NDRF, fire department, Army, and local authorities are crucial in mitigating the crisis and ensuring the safety of residents.