Torrential monsoon rain caused an unusual and alarming scene in Maharashtra's Raigad district, where nearly 3,000 LPG cylinders, both filled and empty, were swept into the Patalganga River after floodwaters entered the HPCL Patalganga LPG Bottling Plant.
Videos Show Cylinders Floating Downstream
Videos shared on social media show hundreds of bright red cylinders floating downstream as the swollen river surged through the facility. While some locals were seen trying to retrieve the cylinders from the river, authorities have strongly advised people to stay away because it is impossible to tell which cylinders still contain LPG.
Authorities Urge People to Stay Away from Cylinders
Raigad District Collector Kishan Jawale appealed to residents not to touch or collect any cylinders found along the river or nearby areas.
"People should not touch, collect, open or take home any cylinders found in the river or nearby areas, as it may not be immediately clear whether they are empty or contain LPG," Jawale said.
He urged people to immediately inform local authorities if they come across any of the washed-away cylinders instead of attempting to recover them themselves. Officials are now working to locate and retrieve the cylinders while ensuring there is no risk to public safety.
Monsoon Continues to Batter Maharashtra
The incident comes as heavy monsoon rain continues to affect large parts of Maharashtra, causing flooding, waterlogging and disruption in several districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Yellow Alert for Mumbai and Thane for Thursday, forecasting moderate rainfall, thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds. Although rainfall is expected to ease compared with the previous few days, the weather department has warned that waterlogging and localised flooding remain possible.
IMD Warns of Flash Flood Risk
The weather department has also flagged a moderate flash flood risk in several districts, including Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg. According to the IMD, continued rainfall could trigger rapid surface runoff and flooding in low-lying areas, particularly where the ground is already saturated. Authorities have advised residents to avoid flooded areas, exercise caution during travel and follow official advisories as recovery efforts continue.
