Boy swept away in swollen nullah during heavy downpour
A 10-year-old boy was swept away in a swollen nullah in Palghar district on Saturday as heavy rains lashed the region, officials said. The incident occurred in the Wada taluka area, where the child was caught in the strong current and disappeared. Rescue teams, including local police and disaster response personnel, launched a search operation but the boy was not found till late evening.
Over 180 residents moved to safer locations
The relentless downpour led to waterlogging in several low-lying areas, prompting authorities to relocate more than 180 people to temporary shelters. According to the Palghar district administration, relief camps have been set up in schools and community halls, with food and medical supplies being provided. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the district, predicting extremely heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours.
Road closures, house damage, and tree collapses
The heavy rains caused significant disruption, with several roads closed due to waterlogging and fallen trees. At least 15 houses were partially damaged, and 20 incidents of tree collapse were reported across the district. The Palghar collector said that National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in vulnerable areas. "We are monitoring the situation closely and urge residents to stay indoors," he added.
Impact on daily life and precautionary measures
Local train services on the Palghar-Dahanu route were delayed due to water on tracks. Schools and colleges in the affected areas have been declared closed for Monday. The administration has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea. A senior official from the disaster management cell said, "We are ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent further loss of life."
