Maharashtra Braces for Heavy Rains: Alert Issued for Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Raigad, and Ratnagiri
Maharashtra Braces for Heavy Rains: Alert Issued for Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Raigad, and Ratnagiri
Pune: Maharashtra is gearing up for severe weather as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a alert for heavy rainfall in several districts, including Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Raigad, and Ratnagiri. On Sunday, Mumbai experienced over 100 mm of rainfall within 12 hours, leading to significant flooding and property damage. The situation is expected to worsen, with more heavy rains forecasted for today.
Weather Forecast
The active monsoon trough, coupled with weather systems in the Arabian Sea, Gujarat, and Central India, is contributing to the heavy rainfall. The IMD predicts very heavy rains (115.5 mm-204.5 mm) over Vidarbha today and in Konkan, Goa, and Madhya Maharashtra until Wednesday (July 24). Rainfall is expected to slightly decrease thereafter, with heavy rains (64.5 mm-115.5 mm) forecasted for Vidarbha on Tuesday (July 23) and western Maharashtra on Thursday (July 25).
A red warning, indicating the need for action, will be in place for Konkan, Goa, and Madhya Maharashtra over the next two days, followed by an orange alert, signaling preparedness, for the subsequent forecast periods.
Besides Mumbai, neighboring districts such as Thane, Ratnagiri, Raigad, Pune, Satara, Nashik, Nandurbar, Dhule, and Jalgaon are under yellow and orange alerts due to the anticipated continuous rainfall.
Flash flood warnings are also in effect in various parts of Maharashtra today due to the potential for waterlogging in low-lying areas. Fisherfolk along the coast have been advised against venturing into the sea because of rough conditions and strong winds.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has urged the administration to remain vigilant. In response, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) have been deployed across the state, focusing on areas such as Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Satara, Sangli, and Kolhapur.
Tourists are advised to take precautions. Mumbai Police have also urged residents to avoid non-essential travel, particularly in coastal areas.
In addition, rising water levels in the Jagbudi river have prompted warnings for residents to stay cautious. A flood-like situation has emerged in the Warana river in Shirala taluka of Sangli district, submerging the Aitawade Khurd bridge and disrupting traffic between Shirala and Kolhapur.
