Mumbai: The southwest monsoon arrived earlier than expected across Maharashtra, bringing widespread rainfall and causing major damage. The monsoon officially entered the state on Sunday and swiftly progressed to Mumbai and Pune within the next 24 hours.
21 People Lost Lives, 22 Animals Dead So Far
As per data released by the State Disaster Management Department, intense rain activity over the past few days has resulted in the deaths of 21 people and 22 animals across the state. Pune and Nanded districts have reported the highest casualties, with three deaths each, reported TV9 Marathi.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted heavy rainfall in several districts of Vidarbha on Thursday, with an orange alert issued for Amravati, Bhandara, and Chandrapur. Rain is also likely in districts of Marathwada and parts of Pune and Satara.
In Jalgaon city, heavy rainfall resumed on Wednesday night after a brief pause during the day. The downpour, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds, marked the arrival of the monsoon in the region. Several parts of Jalgaon witnessed strong weather activity throughout the night.
Jalna district, too, has been battered by unseasonal rains in recent days. According to the report quoting officials, 17 revenue circles in the district received excessive rainfall. The Badnapur and Partur talukas experienced cloudburst-like conditions, causing waterlogging in farmlands and triggering a surge in river water levels. Rivers like the Dudhana and Sukhna, which are typically dry in May, began flowing with strong currents due to the unprecedented rainfall.
Heavy Rains Affect Agriculture Severely
The unseasonal showers also took a toll on agriculture in parts of Maharashtra. In Washim district’s Mangrulpir taluka, crops suffered heavy damage due to continuous rainfall and strong winds over the last two days. Similarly, in Igatpuri taluka of Nashik district, heavy rains have destroyed maize and vegetable crops in Phanswadi village.
