Nashik Braces for 300 mm of Rain as Landslides Disrupt Maharashtra Highways
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Monday that Maharashtra is bracing for continued unprecedented rainfall until July 8, placing Nashik district on high alert for an extremely intense downpour of nearly 300 mm. The heavy rains have already caused casualties, severe waterlogging in Palghar, and a major landslide at Kasheli Ghat on the Mumbai-Goa Highway, disrupting critical transport routes across the state.
Speaking after a review meeting at the State Emergency Operations Centre in Mantralaya, Fadnavis described the weather situation as "unprecedented." He stated that the current high-intensity rainfall is nearly three times the average, prompting the state administration to work round the clock to restore normalcy.
Palghar has emerged as one of the worst-affected districts, experiencing severe waterlogging, disrupted road connectivity, and suspended train services. Additionally, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway is facing waterlogging due to ongoing construction work. Authorities warned that a high tide expected around 4:30 PM on Monday could further worsen the situation.
In Raigad district, heavy rainfall has pushed several rivers, including the Savitri River, past their danger levels. Landslides have also severely impacted the state's highway network. A landslide at Kasheli Ghat on the Mumbai-Goa Highway disrupted traffic, while seven other locations across the state experienced landslips.
On the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, nearly 100 tonnes of debris crashed onto the road. Clean-up crews have successfully cleared about 70 tonnes of the debris. Currently, three lanes heading toward Pune and one lane toward Mumbai remain operational as restoration work continues.
The weather has also impacted the annual Wari pilgrimage. Because several bridges in the region have gone underwater, the state government has appealed to devotees to assemble in Pune instead of Dehu and Alandi.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been strategically deployed in vulnerable locations based on forecasts from the Disaster Management Department. Meanwhile, residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas have been evacuated to safer locations over the past two days.
Fadnavis urged citizens to exercise utmost caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and remain indoors. He also appealed to private establishments to adopt a humanitarian approach and allow flexible working arrangements for their employees.
