Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that the state has received widespread rainfall in the past two days, prompting the issuance of Red and Orange Alerts across several districts. He added that precautionary steps are being taken to mitigate disaster risks, with alerts sent to all district centers and disaster management teams on high alert.
The CM noted that half of Maharashtra’s districts will remain under Red or Orange Alert until August 21, stressing that the state is fully geared up to provide relief wherever damage occurs. He also confirmed that coordination is being maintained with neighbouring states, including Telangana and Karnataka, to regulate water discharge and avoid flood-like situations, particularly in the Konkan region which has received heavy downpours.
Highlighting the impact on agriculture, Fadnavis said farmers had cultivated crops on nearly 4 lakh hectares, but heavy rainfall has caused significant losses. These damages will be assessed and financial assistance will be extended to affected farmers.
The CM also provided district-wise updates, citing Mukramabad in Nanded, where a cloudburst resulted in 206 mm rainfall in a single day, leaving several people stranded. Rescue operations were immediately launched, with 206 individuals rescued by teams of the NDRF and the military.
Mumbai, too, has witnessed 177 mm rainfall in the last eight hours, leading to 14 locations being waterlogged, though traffic movement has resumed at 12 points. The city’s suburban rail system, a lifeline for millions, has faced delays but continues to operate. With the Red Alert in effect for the next 8–10 hours, schools have been closed after noon, and citizens have been advised to step out only if necessary.
Fadnavis further cautioned that Mumbai is expected to receive heavy rainfall for the next 2–3 days, coupled with high tides, urging residents to remain vigilant and prioritize safety.
