Maharashtra Rain Death Toll Climbs to 13 as Landslides Disrupt Transport
Relentless rainfall across Maharashtra has claimed 13 lives, triggered landslides, suspended Mumbai Pune railway services, disrupted flights, flooded key areas, and forced schools and colleges to remain closed.
Heavy Rain Leaves Trail of Destruction
Torrential rain continues to batter Maharashtra, pushing the death toll to 13 as severe flooding and landslides wreak havoc across the state. Several prominent localities remain submerged, while emergency teams are carrying out rescue operations in the worst affected regions.
In Mumbai’s Mankhurd area, a portion of a roof collapsed during intense rainfall, killing six people and leaving another injured. Rescue personnel quickly reached the site and shifted the victims while clearing debris.
Landslides Trigger Major Damage
A major landslide struck Maval village near Pune, burying several houses under mud and debris. Three people lost their lives in the incident, while more than 23 residents were safely rescued by emergency teams.
The recently inaugurated Missing Link Tunnel 2 near Khopoli Kusgaon on the Pune Mumbai Expressway has also been hit by a landslide. Authorities believe the affected stretch could remain closed for nearly two months, leading to heavy traffic congestion across the route.
Rail and Flight Services Hit
The continuous downpour has severely affected transportation across Maharashtra. Mumbai Pune railway services have been suspended, while flight operations have also faced delays and disruptions due to poor weather conditions.
The state recorded nearly 300 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, making it one of the heaviest spells of the season. Rescue teams from the NDRF, SDRF, fire department, and police are working around the clock in flood affected areas.
Schools Closed as Rain Warning Continues
Authorities have declared a holiday for schools and colleges in Mumbai and nearby districts as a precautionary measure. Several private companies have also advised employees to work from home to avoid unnecessary travel.
The weather department has warned that Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and surrounding regions may continue to receive heavy rainfall over the next two to three days, urging residents to remain alert.
Heavy Rain Affects Other Regions
The impact of extreme weather is not limited to Maharashtra. Floodwaters have damaged a section of the National Highway in Gujarat’s Amreli district.
In Jammu and Kashmir, landslides have been reported in Kishtwar and the Chenab Valley following heavy rainfall. A landslide occurred near the 540 MW power project in Kishtwar, burying several heavy vehicles under mud. Authorities have also opened the gates of the Baglihar Dam to regulate rising water levels.
Flood-like conditions have also emerged in several neighbouring regions of China bordering India, highlighting the widespread impact of the ongoing monsoon.
