The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a “Red Alert” for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several districts of Maharashtra today, signaling a heightened risk of severe weather conditions. The districts specifically identified for this highest level of warning are Palghar and the ghat (hilly) areas of Nashik and Pune.
This severe weather warning comes as the southwest monsoon intensifies across the state, bringing with it widespread rainfall and causing several rivers to swell and breach their danger marks. Residents in these regions are advised to exercise extreme caution and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Beyond the red alert zones, an “Orange Alert” has been sounded for Thane, Raigad, Mumbai, Nashik (non-Ghat areas), and Ratnagiri districts, along with the ghats of Satara district. These areas are also expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, raising concerns about potential localized flooding and disruptions. These alerts are currently valid until 8:30 AM on July 20th.
The relentless downpour has already led to significant impacts across the state. In Raigad, the Amba and Kundalika rivers have surpassed their danger levels, prompting additional warnings for the Patalganga river. Similarly, in Ratnagiri, the Jagbudi river is flowing above its danger mark, leading to water entering some towns along its banks. Authorities in Raigad district have, as a precautionary measure, declared a holiday for all schools and colleges for the day.
Western Maharashtra is also grappling with the effects of the heavy rains, with the Indrayani and other rivers experiencing flood-like conditions. Nashik has seen the Godavari River become swollen due to the intense rainfall in its catchment area, and in Sindhudurg district, access to Nadar village in Kudal tehsil has been cut off due to the overflowing Hateri river.
Adding to the concerns, a landslide has been reported at Kuchambe village in Sangmeshwar tehsil of Ratnagiri, necessitating the evacuation of villagers to safer locations.
According to data from the Maharashtra State Disaster Management Cell, Mumbai recorded the highest rainfall in the state in the 24 hours ending at 11 AM today, with 142.6 mm. Raigad followed with 134.1 mm, Palghar with 120.9 mm, Thane with 90.3 mm, and Mumbai suburban district with 60.5 mm.
The IMD’s forecast indicates that while the intense rainfall might see a slight reduction from Friday onwards, heavy rain is still expected to persist on June 21st and 22nd. The public is strongly advised to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, avoid venturing near riverbanks or hilly terrains, and to closely follow all official advisories and emergency helplines. Transportation, including road, rail, and ferry services, may experience disruptions, and citizens should check for traffic congestion and other updates before traveling. Efforts are underway by disaster management teams to monitor the situation closely and provide assistance where needed.