Weather Update: Heavy Rainfall Wreaks Havoc in Kolhapur and Satara Districts
Weather Report: Heavy Rains Lash Maharashtra,Week-long Downpour Predicted Across State"
In a span of 24 hours leading up to 10:30 am on Monday, isolated areas of Kolhapur and Satara districts experienced intense rainfall, causing significant disruptions and damage. Satara’s Navaja recorded a staggering 274mm of rainfall, while Patgaon in Kolhapur received 245mm, exacerbating the flood situation in these regions.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for both districts, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall in the ghat areas and moderate showers in the plains for Tuesday. In Satara, the Koyna dam catchment received 187mm of rainfall, with Mahabaleshwar recording 99mm during the same period. Meanwhile, in Kolhapur district, numerous rivers including Panchaganga, Tamraparni, and Warna have swelled beyond their banks, impacting over 35 barrages and causing severe traffic disruptions.
By Monday evening, the Panchaganga river breached its capacity for the second time this monsoon season, with water levels reaching 29ft 5 inches at the Rajaram barrage in Kolhapur city. The danger level for Panchaganga is set at 39ft, prompting authorities to issue alerts for residents in vulnerable areas.
The heavy downpour has also led to incidents of flooding in local communities. In Patan tehsil, Nerale village faced inundation as waters from the Koyna river entered homes and shops, causing significant financial losses. Anusaya Avghade, a resident, saw her house partially collapse, necessitating relocation to a neighbor’s house for safety.
Moreover, Malkapur village in Satara witnessed frequent waterlogging, affecting the Kolhapur Pune highway and causing substantial delays for commuters. The administration is actively managing the situation, but challenges persist as the rainfall continues.
As authorities monitor the situation closely, residents are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions against further disruptions caused by the relentless monsoon rains.
