IMD Issues Red Alert For Thane As CM Fadnavis Warns Of 90 Kmph Winds
On Monday, the Indian Meteorological Department upgraded its weather warning to a "Red Alert" for Thane and several neighbouring districts, while Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis cautioned that extremely high-velocity winds of up to 90 kmph would sweep through the region.
The weather bureau issued the Red Alert for Thane, Mumbai, Pune, Raigad, and Palghar districts following intensely deteriorating weather conditions. Chief Minister Fadnavis, alongside Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan, held a comprehensive review of the monsoon situation to address the emergency.
According to the Chief Minister, the sudden escalation in weather severity is linked to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal that has intensified into a deep depression. The primary impact zone of this system heavily blankets the Konkan coast, bringing severe gusts and torrential rainfall.
Fadnavis warned that the strong, gale-force winds are expected to persist from Monday afternoon until late into the night. He noted that these conditions could lead to widespread incidents of uprooted trees and falling branches.
In light of the hazardous conditions, the Chief Minister made an earnest appeal to citizens to avoid traveling unless it is absolutely essential. He also strictly urged youngsters to refrain from visiting waterfalls or trekking spots for tourism during this period.
The severe weather has already caused significant disruption across the state. In Palghar district, heavy downpours over the past four to five days have caused severe waterlogging in low-lying areas, forcing the suspension of trains arriving from Gujarat. Landslides have also blocked traffic on major routes, including the Mumbai-Goa Highway at Kashedi Ghat and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
Fadnavis stated that the state administration is on high alert. He has reviewed the mitigation and relief plans deployed by the disaster management cell, district collectors, and divisional administrations. This high-alert status across Maharashtra is scheduled to remain active until July 8.
