Three people have been killed in Maharashtra as flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains wreaked havoc across several states in India, including Jammu and Himachal Pradesh. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for multiple regions, warning of continued downpours.
Maharashtra: Three Dead, Several Rescued
In Maharashtra, three fatalities were reported from separate incidents in the Raigad and Ratnagiri districts. A landslide in Raigad’s Mahad taluka killed two people, while another death occurred in Ratnagiri due to flooding. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) conducted rescue operations, evacuating over 200 people from low-lying areas. Local authorities reported that several rivers, including the Savitri and Kundalika, were flowing above danger levels, leading to widespread inundation of villages and farmlands.
Jammu and Kashmir: Flash Floods Disrupt Life
In Jammu and Kashmir, flash floods swept through parts of the Jammu region, damaging roads and bridges. The Jammu-Srinagar national highway was blocked at several points due to landslides, stranding hundreds of vehicles. Officials reported that water levels in the Chenab and Tawi rivers rose sharply, prompting evacuations in vulnerable areas. No casualties have been confirmed so far, but relief teams have been deployed.
Himachal Pradesh: Landslides and Road Closures
In Himachal Pradesh, heavy rains triggered multiple landslides, blocking key roads, including the Mandi-Pathankot highway. The state government issued advisories urging residents to stay indoors and avoid riverbanks. The IMD recorded 120 mm of rainfall in Mandi district within 24 hours, the highest in the state. At least five houses were damaged in Shimla district due to landslides, according to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority.
IMD Red Alert and Forecast
The IMD has issued a red alert for Maharashtra’s Konkan region and parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand for the next 48 hours. “Extremely heavy rainfall is expected in these areas, with isolated spells exceeding 200 mm,” said an IMD official. The department warned of flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding in low-lying areas. A yellow alert has been issued for the rest of the western Himalayan region.
Impact on Agriculture and Infrastructure
The monsoon deluge has damaged crops in Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh, with farmers reporting losses of paddy and horticulture produce. In Ratnagiri, mango orchards were submerged, while in Himachal, apple crops suffered. Infrastructure, including roads and bridges, has been severely affected, with repair costs expected to run into crores. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) reported damage to at least three major bridges in Jammu and Himachal.
Government Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Chief Ministers of affected states, assuring them of central assistance. The Home Ministry has released an initial Rs 100 crore for relief operations in Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh. “We are closely monitoring the situation and have deployed additional NDRF teams,” said a Home Ministry spokesperson. State governments have set up relief camps and are distributing food and drinking water to affected families.
As the monsoon season continues, authorities remain on high alert, with forecasts indicating more rain in the coming days. Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to stay vigilant and follow safety guidelines.
