The festive season in Maharashtra has been overshadowed by an intense spell of unseasonal heavy rain, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a ‘Red Alert’ for several districts on Sunday, September 28. The warning signals the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall in the region.
Initially, the IMD’s warnings for September 28 had placed Mumbai, Nashik, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, and Pune under a Red Alert. However, later updates reflected a shift in the intensity levels across the state.
Updated Alerts for Key Districts:
- Red Alert: As per a Nowcast issued by RMC Mumbai valid till 7 PM on Sunday, a Red Alert for extremely heavy rain has been issued for Nashik, Palghar, Dhule, and Nandurbar.
- Orange Alert: Thane and Raigad districts have been placed under an Orange Alert, which signifies a high risk of heavy to very heavy rainfall.
- Yellow Alert: Mumbai city and its suburbs remain on a Yellow Alert, indicating a forecast for light to moderate rain. Despite this, the IMD has predicted extremely heavy rainfall over Mumbai and its neighbouring region, and an Orange Alert for heavy rains remains in place for the financial capital until September 30.
Godavari River Swells in Nashik
The relentless downpour has caused the water level of the Godavari river in Nashik to rise significantly, now dangerously close to the flood mark. Officials report that the inundation of some small temples in the historic Ramkund area has already begun. Popular landmarks in the Goda Ghat region, including the famous Dutondya Maruti idol, are now submerged due to the swelling river.
In response to the severity of the forecast, Nashik’s Collector, Jalaj Sharma, confirmed to news agency PTI that a Red Alert has been issued for the district for Sunday and Monday. The district administration has been put on full alert, and all necessary safety arrangements for citizens are in place.
With the Navratri celebration currently underway, the administration is focusing on crowd control at popular pilgrimage sites. The Collector specifically urged devotees visiting the Saptashring Garh at Vani to follow official instructions and avoid rushing for darshan to ensure their safety.