Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Aug 18: With relentless rainfall pounding large parts of Maharashtra and more heavy showers forecast in the coming 48 hours, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Monday chaired a high-level review meeting and directed state and district authorities to stay on high alert and intensify rescue and relief efforts.
Citing the ‘Red Alert’ issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for Mumbai and Raigad, Pawar urged citizens to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary, warning that extremely heavy rainfall could pose serious risks.
“All administrative agencies must coordinate closely during this period,” Pawar said, adding that rescue, safety, and relief should be the topmost priorities for all local and state authorities. He also reminded state employees and local bodies to take appropriate precautions while performing their duties during this weather emergency.
In Mumbai, persistent rainfall led to waterlogging across multiple localities. Guardian Minister Ashish Shelar visited the emergency control room of the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to assess the situation and monitor the city's emergency preparedness.
Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to issue a public advisory.
“Dear Mumbaikars, caution is advised as heavy rainfall continues under 'Orange Alert.' Incidents of waterlogging and reduced visibility are being reported. Please avoid non-essential travel. Our teams are on high alert and ready to assist,” he posted, urging people to contact emergency numbers 100, 112, or 103 if needed.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is closely monitoring the worsening flood situation in Mukhed taluka of Nanded district, where torrential rain has caused the Lendi Dam to swell dangerously. The area recorded 206 mm of rain in a single day, resulting in flash floods that disrupted life in Ravangaon, Bhaswadi, Bhingeli, and Hasnal.
In his own post on X, Fadnavis revealed that 225 people are stranded in Ravangaon, and evacuation efforts are underway.
“Eight citizens have been rescued in Hasnal. Twenty are stranded in Bhaswadi and forty in Bhingeli, but all are safe,” the Chief Minister stated.
“Five people are still missing. A search operation is in progress.”
He added that he is in constant contact with the Nanded District Collector, and that collectors from Nanded, Latur, and Bidar are working together to streamline rescue operations.
Rescue efforts are being jointly carried out by teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Army, and the Maharashtra Police, with additional military units dispatched from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to assist on the ground.
With the downpour showing no signs of letting up, the state government has urged residents in vulnerable areas to cooperate with authorities, stay updated via official channels, and prioritise safety above all else.