KKN Gurugram Desk | Maharashtra has been facing severe weather conditions as the monsoon has arrived earlier than expected, causing widespread damage and destruction across the state. The monsoon, which typically arrives around June 11, made an early entry on May 25, beginning in Sindhudurg district and reaching Mumbai by May 26. As of now, 21 people have lost their lives, and several areas are undergoing relief and rescue operations.

According to reports, the low-pressure area in the Arabian Sea which had potential to develop into a cyclone, instead weakened into a depression and made landfall near Ratnagiri, about 40 km north of the town and south of Dapoli, on May 24. This shift in weather patterns brought heavy rains, particularly affecting areas such as Pune, Satara, and Mumbai, causing extensive flooding and damage.

The Impact of Early Monsoon on Maharashtra

This year, the monsoon has arrived 15 days earlier than usual, and its arrival has brought heavy rains, causing flooding and disruption in various parts of the state. As per the Meteorological Department, the excessive rainfall has resulted in the loss of lives, as well as significant damage to infrastructure and agriculture.

The first wave of intense rainfall was seen on May 24, when Pune and Satara recorded substantial amounts of rainfall, causing major disruptions. Some regions, particularly in Sindhudurg and Mumbai, experienced severe flooding, with water levels rising significantly on roads, homes, and even railway tracks.

Flooding in Mumbai: Train Services Disrupted

In Mumbai, the early rains and flooding have disrupted Harbour Line train services for some time. The tracks were submerged in water, which led to delays and suspensions in train services. This is a significant concern in Mumbai, where railway transport is essential for daily commuting for millions of people.

Additionally, flash floods hit several areas in Mumbai, particularly in Ahilya Nagar, including localities like Akolner, Khadki, Walki, Sonawadi Road, and Shiradhon. The Indian Army, Fire Department, and local administration were involved in rescue operations, saving a total of 39 people from these flood-affected regions.

Heavy Rainfall in Pune and Other Regions

In Pune, the district recorded over 117mm of rainfall in Daund, while Baramati and Indapur also saw significant rainfall amounts of 104.75mm and 63.25mm respectively. This heavy downpour led to flooding, where at least seven people were rescued from Katawadi village in Baramati, while one cow was reported dead in Naroli village. Moreover, 25 houses were partially damaged, and 70-80 families were evacuated to safer locations.

In Satara, 163.5mm of rainfall was recorded in Phaltan. Many people were stranded near Dudhebavi village on the Dahiwadi-Phaltan Road, and local authorities set up arrangements for their food and shelter.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed multiple teams in Baramati, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, and other districts that have been affected by the heavy rains.

Rescue Operations by NDRF and Other Teams

As a part of the relief efforts, NDRF teams have been sent to the affected districts like Raigad, Thane, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. These teams have been carrying out rescue operations, providing aid and supplies to those stranded in the floodwaters. As per the reports, two rescue teams have been deployed in Indapur and Baramati, and more teams are expected to reach other flood-hit areas soon.

In Solapur, 67.75mm of rainfall was recorded, and flood alerts were issued for the villages along the Nira River. In Malshiras, near Kurubavi village, six people were rescued, and in Pandharpur, three people stranded near the Bhima River were also rescued.

Lightning Strikes in Raigad and Death Toll

In Raigad, a lightning strike led to the tragic death of one person in Karjat. Additionally, roads connecting Mahad to Raigad Fort have been closed due to severe weather conditions. The death toll from the heavy rains and related incidents across the state has now reached 21, with 22 animals also reported dead, and two others injured.

With floods and damaged infrastructure, Maharashtra is facing one of the toughest monsoon seasons. The NDRF has now deployed 18 teams across different districts, including Thane, Raigad, Satara, Sindhudurg, and Ratnagiri, to help mitigate the situation.

Impact on Agricultural Sector and Local Communities

The agricultural sector in Maharashtra has also suffered immensely due to the heavy rainfall and floods. Crops have been submerged in water, and farmers are facing significant losses. The loss of livestock, along with damage to crops and houses, has caused widespread distress in several rural areas.

Maharashtra’s farming communities are already under financial pressure, and these unexpected floods have made the situation worse. The government has begun issuing relief packages, but it will take time to recover fully from the devastation caused by the early monsoon rains.

Maharashtra’s Response to the Disaster

In response to the ongoing crisis, the Maharashtra government has ramped up efforts to provide relief and assistance to the affected areas. Emergency supplies, including food, clean water, and temporary shelters, are being dispatched to the hardest-hit regions. The state administration has called for coordination between local agencies, the army, and NDRF to ensure swift action and rescue operations.

Given the increasing scale of damage, the state has urged local authorities to remain vigilant, especially with more rainfall expected over the coming days. The government is also providing medical aid to the affected areas, as waterborne diseases pose a significant threat to health in flood-affected regions.

Death Toll and Continued Efforts

The current death toll in the state has risen to 21 people, with many more affected by the ongoing floods. While the situation is being carefully managed, the floods have significantly impacted the daily lives of Maharashtra residents, particularly in the affected districts like Mumbai, Pune, Raigad, and Solapur. Rescue operations are being conducted on a war footing, and relief teams are tirelessly working to evacuate people from flood-hit areas.

The early arrival of the monsoon and the subsequent heavy rains have caused unprecedented challenges for Maharashtra, leaving many people homeless and in distress. While rescue operations are underway, the damage is extensive, and Maharashtra is now grappling with floods, loss of life, and property damage.

As the rains continue, it is crucial for local authorities to remain prepared for further challenges. The NDRF, along with other rescue teams, must continue to provide support, and the state government must ensure that the relief efforts reach those most affected. Maharashtra’s ability to rebuild and recover from this calamity will depend on the swift and effective coordination between government agencies, local authorities, and national organizations.