Heavy rains have triggered floods across Maharashtra’s Marathwada region, claiming two lives and forcing the evacuation of more than 11,500 residents, officials said on Sunday.
The situation worsened after a massive amount of water released from the Jayakwadi dam, the region’s largest reservoir, led to rising levels in the Godavari river.
Authorities said two people died in rain-related incidents in Dharashiv district on Saturday night. One victim drowned, while another died in a separate mishap linked to the downpour.
“Rain intensity has reduced since last night, so our focus now is on supplying aid to the affected families,” a senior Dharashiv district official said.
More than 3,600 people were moved to safer locations there, while the discharge of 75,500 cusecs from the Sina Kolegaon dam inundated parts of Paranda taluka.
In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, around 7,000 residents from villages including Vadali, Naygaon, Maygaon, and Apegaon were relocated after the Jayakwadi dam released 2.26 lakh cusecs of water.
The dam’s 27 gates have been opened, and its storage has reached 98 percent capacity.
Authorities fear further flooding as upstream Nashik continues to receive heavy showers under a “red alert” issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Nanded district also witnessed flooding, with nearly 1,000 people shifted after the Godavari swelled to 354 metres.
The administration is using traditional dawandi (drum announcements) in Beed to warn residents in vulnerable areas. The Indian Army and NDRF teams remain on standby in Gevrai.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reviewed the situation and directed officials to intensify ground-level relief measures. “All necessary steps must be taken to ensure timely rescue and rehabilitation,” he told officers during a press meet.
Marathwada, usually a drought-prone belt, has faced incessant rainfall since September 20.
Officials said excess rainfall was recorded in 189 of the region’s 483 revenue circles over the past 24 hours. Standing crops, homes, and roads have been extensively damaged.
The highest 24-hour rainfall was reported from Harsul circle in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar at 196 mm, followed by Shivur and Borsar circles in Vaijapur at 189 mm.
Flooding also disrupted traffic on the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar–Ahilyanagar highway after heavy downpour in the Waluj area.
ALL IS WELL IN MUMBAI, SAYS CIVIC BODY
While Marathwada reeled under floods, Mumbai managed to avoid major disruptions despite continuous downpour. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said no waterlogging or accidents were reported on Sunday even as the city recorded around 100 mm of rain in nine hours.
“Road and rail traffic are running smoothly, and all systems of the Municipal Corporation are working continuously and promptly,” the civic body said in a statement.
According to the corporation, officers, engineers, pump operators, health workers, and emergency teams were stationed across the city to handle emergencies. Special focus was placed on drainage and sewage systems to prevent flooding.
Senior municipal officers, including joint and deputy commissioners, were tasked with on-ground supervision.
Mumbai has often struggled with flooding during heavy monsoon spells, but this time, officials credited “timely preparedness” for the smooth functioning of daily life despite two days of continuous rainfall.
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With PTI inputs