Six dead, scores injured as rains batter Maharashtra

IMD says south-west monsoon vigorous over south Konkan-Goa, active over south central Maharashtra; high alert sounded in north Maharashtra

Ratnagiri 20/09/2017: Bad weather grounded Gujrat fishing trawler off Ratnagiri coast. Photo: Rajendra G

Heavy rains across Maharashtra over the past 24 hours claimed six lives and injured scores of people.

Senior government officials said high alert had been issued in several parts of the State, especially north Maharashtra, in anticipation of more rain. High alert was also sounded in areas in and around Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Ratnagiri, Raigad and Sindhudurg. Intermittent and continuous rainfall has been forecast for Mumbai in the next 48 hours.

Rajiv Nivatkar, Director, State Disaster Management Cell, said: “As per our information, two deaths each have been reported from Ratnagiri, Raigad and Palghar. Also, heavy rains were reported in Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Ratnagiri. The high alert was sounded for north Maharashtra.”

Mumbai, Maharashtra, 19/09/2017: Water gushing out from overflowed Bhilavale lake at Bhilavale village in Karjat of Raigad district of Maharashtra, which witnessing heavy rain on September 19, 2017. Photo: Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rains in Ratnagiri, Raigad, and Palghar. IMD officials said parts of western Maharashtra such as Sangli and Satara are likely to receive heavy showers over the next 24 hours.

More rain expected

“Heavy rainfall is expected in West Vidarbha,” said an IMD official. The IMD data showed that Palghar received 218.6mm rain, Raigad 152mm, Ratnagiri 112 mm and Thane 152 mm.

The IMD, in a press note issued, said, “South-west monsoon was vigorous over south Konkan-Goa and active over south central Maharashtra. Cyclonic circulation over north Madhya Maharashtra and south Gujarat region and north Konkan persists. It is seen between 3.1 km and 7.6 km above mean sea level. A trough extending up to 1.5 km above mean sea level runs from the above system to Konkan across Vidarbha and Marathwada.”