Heavy rains batter Maharashtra; waterlogging, traffic disrupt normal life

Mumbai, July 4 (IANS) Heavy rainfall continued to lash several parts of Maharashtra on Saturday, triggering widespread waterlogging, traffic disruptions and flood-like conditions in many districts, including Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Palghar, Thane, Kolhapur, Raigad and Lonavala. The incessant rain disrupted normal life, with water entering homes and shops, while authorities issued alerts in several vulnerable areas.

In Mumbai, heavy showers caused severe waterlogging in several areas, including Mahim, leading to traffic congestion and disruption of vehicular movement. Similar conditions prevailed in other parts of the city as roads remained inundated.

In Navi Mumbai also, continuous rainfall resulted in severe waterlogging beneath Turbhe railway station, making pedestrian movement difficult and causing inconvenience to commuters. The nearby stretch of the Thane-Belapur Road was also completely submerged, affecting traffic flow.

In Lonavala, the famous Bhushi Dam overflowed following continuous rainfall, attracting a large number of tourists eager to witness the cascading water. Authorities, however, urged visitors to strictly follow safety guidelines due to the strong water currents and slippery conditions.

In Palghar, heavy rain inundated the Ambedkar Nagar area, with floodwaters entering several houses and disrupting the daily lives of residents.

Meanwhile, Kolhapur witnessed a sharp rise in river levels after two days of heavy rainfall. As many as 10 barrages, including the Rajaram Weir, were submerged, prompting authorities to suspend movement across affected areas and issue a high alert.

In Raigad, officials issued a red alert for heavy rainfall as the Amba River approached the danger mark, increasing the risk of flooding in nearby localities.

The situation remained particularly severe in Bhiwandi, where markets, including the Teen Batti Bhaji Market, were submerged after heavy rainfall. Floodwaters entered several shops, causing significant losses to traders. Local residents reported widespread inconvenience due to knee-deep water on roads.

A resident said that extensive waterlogging had made movement extremely difficult for people.

Another resident, Deepak Vishwakarma, said he was on his way to work when he encountered flooded roads.

He added that continuous rainfall and the red alert had left him uncertain about whether to continue his journey or return home, where waterlogging was equally severe.

In Nalasopara, roads resembled flowing streams due to heavy rain, leaving several vehicles, including a fire engine, stranded in deep water.

According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), heavy rainfall and strong winds over the past 24 hours led to more than 91 incidents of fallen trees and branches, around 30 cases of short circuits, 19 wall collapse incidents, and multiple reports of waterlogging across Mumbai. Authorities remain on alert as heavy rainfall is expected to continue in several parts of the state.

–IANS

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