Heavy Rains Cause Landslides and Flash Floods Across Four States, Prompting Major Rescue Operations

Heavy rains wreaked havoc across Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand on Thursday, causing landslides and flash floods, disrupting daily life, and leading to a massive deployment of rescue personnel and army units. The death toll from rain-related incidents continues to rise as authorities scramble to manage the situation.

Maharashtra: Severe Inundation and Landslides

Pune district was particularly hard hit, receiving 109mm of rainfall in 24 hours, far surpassing the normal 10.4mm for this period. This deluge resulted in at least four deaths, including three due to electrocution and one from a landslide. “As of now, four deaths have been reported, of which three were due to electrocution and one due to a landslide. In addition, three people are reported to be trapped in Lavasa city after a mudslide. Our teams are deployed there, and rescue operations are going on,” said Pune district collector Suhas Diwse.

Residents expressed frustration over the situation, citing poor civic management as a contributing factor. Amit Deshmukh, a local resident, said, “A bridge is being built in the area and debris are lying unattended. As a result, water changed its course and entered into our locality.”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar visited Pune to oversee relief efforts. Ajit Pawar assured the public via a post on X, “Keeping a tab on the heavy rainfall situation in and around Pune… Also instructed the officials to provide all assistance to the citizens. We are monitoring the entire situation and I would like to assure everyone that the state govt is working around the clock to provide help in all aspects.”

The Indian Army’s Southern Command has also been put on high alert, with additional columns ready for rapid deployment. “Additional Army columns have also been kept on standby, prepared to be deployed at short notice as the situation develops,” the army stated.

Impact on Mumbai and Surrounding Areas

Mumbai faced severe waterlogging, disrupting flight operations and leading to cancellations and diversions. In Raigad and Palghar districts, rivers like Kundalika overflowed, causing further disruption and claiming a life in Alibag city.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a ‘red alert’ for Pune, leading to the closure of schools and colleges. The IMD’s report underscores the erratic nature of monsoon patterns, emphasizing the need for consistent and moderate rainfall to support agriculture and prevent such disasters.

Gujarat: Rising Death Toll and Mass Evacuations

Gujarat reported three more deaths due to the heavy rains, bringing the total toll to 11 within 24 hours. The incessant downpour caused widespread flooding and infrastructure damage across multiple districts. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated on X, “Necessary instructions were given to evacuate people from the low-lying areas of the affected districts to safe places. The system is working with a ‘Zero Casualty’ approach in this heavy rain situation.”

In Vadodara, nearly 3,000 people were evacuated after the Vishwamitri river exceeded the danger mark. Vadodara municipal commissioner Dilip Rana confirmed, “Vishwamitri is flowing at 29 feet, nearly 4 feet above the danger mark… As a precautionary measure, we have alerted people living near the river bank and shifted nearly 3,000 persons to safer places.”

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Himachal Pradesh: Flash Floods and Infrastructure Damage

Himachal Pradesh experienced a severe flash flood triggered by a cloudburst in Manali district, which swept away three houses and led to landslides. This resulted in the closure of a segment of National Highway-3, a critical route connecting the state with Leh. “Three houses have been washed away while one is endangered,” said Raman Sharma, the subdivisional magistrate of Manali.

Residents of Palchan village had to abandon their homes in the middle of the night due to the intense rainfall. Risha Devi, a block development committee member, recounted, “We woke up to a thundering sound in the middle of the night and there was panic all around as people abandoned their houses and headed to safer places.”

Uttarakhand: Road Closures and Ongoing Rescue Efforts

In Uttarakhand, heavy rains resulted in the closure of 142 roads. NK Joshi, the district disaster management officer for Chamoli district, reported, “A 20-metre stretch of road on Malari-Joshimath Highway was swept away leading to blocking the traffic early morning on Thursday and the BRO teams were deployed to the spot to reopen the road using heavy machines.”

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