Maharashtra Braces For Severe Rainfall: 48-Hour High Alert As CM Activates 24×7 Emergency Response, Urges Citizens To Stay Indoors
Maharashtra Braces For Severe Rainfall: 48-Hour High Alert As CM Activates 24x7 Emergency Response, Urges Citizens To Stay Indoors
Mumbai, July 6: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed all government machinery to remain on a 24×7 “alert mode” in view of intense rainfall and adverse weather conditions across the state, particularly in Mumbai and coastal districts. He also appealed to citizens to avoid stepping out unnecessarily for the next two days.
Chairing a review meeting at the State Disaster Management Control Room in Mumbai, the Chief Minister assessed the rain situation across Maharashtra in the presence of Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan.
Fadnavis said that winds reaching speeds of 50–70 kmph are expected in Mumbai and coastal regions, along with high tide conditions between 3 pm and 4:30 pm. Considering these conditions, all concerned agencies have been instructed to remain fully prepared and respond immediately to any emergency situation. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been placed on standby for rapid deployment wherever required.
He further directed coordinated action to clear blockages on key highways, including the Mumbai–Ahmedabad National Highway and Mumbai–Goa Highway, where landslides and debris have disrupted traffic. Agencies have been asked to remain prepared to remove debris immediately to avoid congestion and restore smooth traffic flow.
The Chief Minister also instructed authorities to remain alert in landslide-prone areas and ensure uninterrupted rescue operations in case of emergencies.
Special precautions have been ordered for Nashik and Trimbakeshwar regions, where extremely heavy rainfall of up to 300 mm is likely due to a low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea. He warned of cloudburst-like conditions and directed the district administration to prevent waterlogging in low-lying areas and ensure no loss of life.
Tourists in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar have been advised to avoid visiting the region for the next few days, and precautionary evacuation measures have been suggested in vulnerable areas.
Fadnavis also noted that Mumbai has recorded a month’s average rainfall within just four days. Strong winds of around 50 kmph have led to widespread tree fall incidents, with nearly 300 trees falling in a single day. He said the situation remains critical for the next 72 hours, up to July 8 night.
Landslides have also been reported on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, where large amounts of soil and rocks have come down onto the road. The Chief Minister directed authorities to work on a war footing to clear the debris and restore traffic immediately.
As a precautionary measure, he urged citizens to work from home wherever possible. He also warned private establishments to allow work-from-home arrangements in the interest of public safety, stating that non-compliance may invite action.
Officials present at the review meeting included Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal, senior state and civic officers, police leadership, disaster management officials, and representatives from multiple departments, who briefed the Chief Minister on the evolving situation through video conferencing.
As of 11 am on July 6, rainfall data showed Mumbai Suburban recorded 151.2 mm, Mumbai City 105 mm, Raigad 236.6 mm, Thane 158.7 mm, and Ratnagiri 152.3 mm of rainfall.
