Maharashtra rains: Mumbai, Pune on red alert as heavy rains claim 10 lives across state; 12,000 rescued

Authorities are closely monitoring water discharge from major dams as levels rise dangerously. (Image credit: @log_kyasochenge/X)

At least 10 people have died in rain-related incidents across Maharashtra as relentless downpours battered multiple districts in over 48 hours, The Indian Express reported citing officials on Sunday.

Meanwhile, more than 11,800 people were rescued from flood-hit areas, with disaster response teams and the army working round the clock to shift families to safer shelters.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Raigad, and Palghar districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall on Monday. Intermittent intense showers have already left several parts of Mumbai waterlogged, though rail and road traffic have remained largely unaffected.

Fatalities and evacuations across Maharashtra districts

The State Disaster Management Department reported that four people died in Nashik, including three in a house collapse. Two deaths each were reported in Dharashiv and Ahilyanagar, while one death each occurred in Jalna and Yavatmal.

In Marathwada, rising inflows into the Jayakwadi dam on the Godavari River forced authorities to open all gates, leading to the evacuation of nearly 7,000 people in Paithan, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Harsul Circle alone recorded 196 mm of rain in just 24 hours. Beed, Nanded, and Parbhani districts also faced heavy downpours.

Since June, Hingoli has recorded 13 deaths, Beed 10 deaths, and Jalna nine deaths due to flooding. Relief teams have relocated thousands of families and set up camps with food, water, and medical care. In Solapur, over 4,000 people were rescued, while Latur sheltered more than 500 residents.

Dam discharges raise concerns

Authorities are closely monitoring water discharge from major dams as levels rise dangerously. Jayakwadi dam is releasing 1,25,000 cusecs into the Godavari River, with the figure expected to increase further. Majalgaon dam currently discharges 41,701 cusecs, while Sina Kolegaon and Ujani dams release 75,000 and 1 lakh cusecs respectively.

In Konkan, the Modak Sagar, Tansa, and Middle Vaitarna dams have been overflowing, with spillway discharges between 14,656 and 41,999 cusecs.

Officials warned that unchecked inflows could worsen flooding in low-lying areas, urging residents near riverbanks to remain alert.

Red alert in Konkan

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed officials across coastal districts to remain on red alert. Schools in Palghar have been ordered shut as a precautionary measure. Relief operations are being prioritised for both citizens and livestock, with emergency services placed on high alert.

Officials were instructed to monitor flood-prone areas, evacuate residents if needed, and ensure uninterrupted communication and electricity services.