Heavy rain leaves six dead, 12 injured across Maharashtra

Incessant rain in Maharashtra causes havoc, leaving six dead, 12 injured, and hundreds evacuated to safety zones.

Incessant rain wreaked havoc in several parts of Maharashtra on July 25, leaving at least six persons dead and 12 injured, and inundating houses in low-lying areas. Three persons are feared trapped after a landslip in Lavasa, as officials evacuated hundreds of people to safety zones across the State.

As per the State Disaster Situation report, two persons died due to lightning in Chandrapur district, three died due to electrocution in Pune’s Deccan Gymkhana area, and one died after a landslip in Pune’s Maval tehsil. According to Pune district administration authorities, the Maval landslide victim was a restaurant staffer.

Since May 15, at least 94 people have died in different parts of Maharashtra due to monsoon-related incidents such as lightning strikes, landslips, tree falls, and building collapses. Across the State, four persons are missing and 145 have been injured. Around 241 people have been evacuated and at least 306 animals are dead.

Follow LIVE updates from the Mumbai rains on July 25, 2024

In Pune, the fire and rescue personnel rescued and moved nearly 160 people marooned in houses and buildings in low-lying areas to safety zones, with over 200 personnel deployed in these operations. Authorities said they had responded to 16 incidents where water had flooded residential and commercial buildings since Wednesday midnight. 

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said if the need arises, rain-hit people will be airlifted in Pune, where the incessant downpour claimed four lives on Thursday. Mr. Shinde said he has spoken to the Pune Collector and civic officials and authorities of its neighbouring Pimpri Chinchwad, an industrial township. He has also spoken to Army and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) officials to seek their help in the evacuation. 

In Mumbai, flight operations saw significant disruptions at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Due to poor visibility, there was brief suspension of flight operations at 10:36 a.m. Flight operations resumed at 10:55 a.m. after visibility improved. Airlines issued travel advisories while Air India announced full refund or a one-time complimentary rescheduling for bookings confirmed for travel on Thursday.