Marathwada floods: Over 11,500 evacuated, Jayakwadi Dam near full capacity

Marathwada floods: Over 11,500 evacuated, Jayakwadi Dam near full capacity

More than 11,500 people were shifted to safer locations across Maharashtra’s Marathwada region on Sunday, as heavy rains and rising water levels in the Godavari river triggered flooding in several districts. Authorities fear the situation could worsen with heavy rainfall continuing upstream in Nashik, currently under a ‘red alert’ issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Two rain-related deaths were reported in Dharashiv district, officials said. The victims, from Omerga and Paranda talukas, died in separate incidents on Saturday night.

The situation became particularly grim in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Nanded districts, after heavy discharge from the Jayakwadi dam, the largest reservoir in the region, forced large-scale evacuations. In Paithan town alone, 7,000 people from nine villages, including Vadali, Maygaon and Apegaon, were moved to relief camps after water discharge touched 2.26 lakh cusecs.

Currently, all 27 gates of the Jayakwadi dam, including nine emergency gates, have been opened up to eight feet, with storage at 98.07% capacity. Officials said water levels in Nanded touched 354 metres, leading to the relocation of nearly 970 residents within the municipal corporation area.

In Dharashiv district, over 3,600 residents were shifted after flooding caused by heavy release from the Sina Kolegaon dam submerged parts of Paranda taluka.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reviewed the flood situation and relief efforts on Sunday, directing officials to intensify ground-level measures. The administration has also resorted to ‘dawandi’—traditional drum-beating announcements—to alert villagers in Beed district. Teams of the Army and NDRF remain on standby in Gevrai.

Marathwada, often drought-prone, has been battered by incessant rains since September 20, leading to extensive damage to crops, homes and roads. Officials confirmed that out of 483 revenue circles with rain gauges in the region, 189 recorded excess rainfall—above 65 mm in just 24 hours.

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar’s Harsul circle reported 196 mm rainfall, the highest in the region, while Vaijapur’s Shivur and Borsar circles received nearly 190 mm. Heavy rain also disrupted traffic on the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar–Ahilyanagar road after flooding in Waluj.

Authorities said relief measures are ongoing, with food, medical aid and shelter being arranged for affected families.