“Next 48 Hours Critical”: CM Devendra Fadnavis Puts Maharashtra on High Alert as Torrential Rains Ravage State

Mumbai: Maharashtra is reeling under the fury of relentless monsoon rains, prompting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to declare the next 48 hours as “extremely crucial” for the state. After holding an emergency review meeting with the disaster management department on Tuesday, Fadnavis announced that Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg have been placed on high alert.

“The administration is closely monitoring the evolving situation and proactive measures are being taken to evacuate citizens from low-lying and flood-prone areas,” Fadnavis assured, as reports of casualties and widespread destruction continued to pour in.

According to state officials, at least six people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents over the past two days, while more than 290 individuals were rescued in Nanded alone. Ongoing rescue operations involve the combined efforts of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the Army, who are working round the clock to assist stranded citizens.

Konkan Hit Hard

Raigad district emerged as one of the worst-hit regions, recording over 160 mm of rainfall in just 24 hours. The Kundalika and Savitri rivers breached their danger marks, submerging several villages. Schools and colleges have been ordered shut as landslides and floods left Mahad and Nagothane cut off from major routes.

Western Maharashtra on Edge

In Kolhapur, the Radhanagari Dam released 11,500 cusecs of water, pushing the Panchganga River above danger level for the fifth time this season. The Kolhapur–Ratnagiri highway had to be closed following massive landslides. Similarly, water releases from Chandoli Dam into Warna River, Koyna Dam into Koyna River, and Radhanagari Dam into Bhogavati River have heightened fears in downstream villages, where residents have been put on high alert.

Vidarbha and Marathwada Reel Under Floods

In Gadchiroli’s Bhamragad taluka, more than 50 villages remain marooned after the Perlkota River overflowed. In Washim, swollen rivers have destroyed thousands of hectares of kharif crops, worsening agrarian distress. A 19-year-old youth tragically drowned in Kodpe village after being swept away in a swollen stream.

Meteorological Warning

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has attributed the intense rainfall to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal coupled with an active monsoon trough. The department has forecast very heavy rainfall for Konkan and central Maharashtra in the next 48 hours, issuing an orange alert for Vidarbha and Marathwada, which could be downgraded to a yellow alert later this week if conditions ease.