Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]: Maharashtra has been hit by the southwest monsoon 15 days ahead of schedule, with the rainy season beginning in Sindhudurg on May 25 and reaching Mumbai by May 26, the state government confirmed in an official statement.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the early arrival was triggered by a low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea, initially forecasted to evolve into a cyclone. Instead, it developed into a depression and made landfall between Ratnagiri and Dapoli, leading to widespread heavy rainfall and flash floods across several districts.
District-Wise Impact Summary:
Pune District
- Daund recorded the highest rainfall at 117 mm, followed by Baramati (104.75 mm) and Indapur (63.25 mm).
- Damage & Rescue:
- 25 houses partially damaged in Baramati.
- 7 people rescued from floodwaters in Katewadi village.
- 70–80 families relocated to safer areas.
- One cow died in Naroli village.
- NDRF teams deployed in Indapur and Baramati.
- Mobile network disruptions due to fiber damage, now under restoration.
Satara District
- Phaltan received 163.5 mm of rainfall.
- 30 people stranded near Dahiwadi-Phaltan Road were safely sheltered.
- Roads have now been cleared; rainfall intensity has decreased.
Solapur District
- 67.75 mm of rainfall recorded.
- Flood alert issued for villages along the Nira River.
- 6 people rescued near Kurubavi village (Malshiras).
- 3 people rescued near the Bhima River in Pandharpur.
Raigad District
- One person died due to a lightning strike in Karjat.
- The Mahad-Raigad Fort road was closed following heavy rainfall.
Mumbai and Ahilyanagar
- Harbour line train services temporarily suspended due to waterlogging.
- Flash floods reported in Akolner, Khadki, Walki, Sonewadi Road, and Shiradhon.
- 39 people rescued by Army, Fire Department, and local authorities.
Casualty and Relief Efforts
- 21 people have lost their lives.
- 2 others injured, along with 22 animal deaths and 2 injuries.
- The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 18 teams statewide.
- Teams are active in Raigad, Thane, Satara, Sindhudurg, Kalyan, and Ratnagiri.
- Additional teams are expected to reach Sangli, Kolhapur, and Mumbai by evening.
Outlook and Advisory
Authorities are urging citizens to stay alert, especially in flood-prone regions. The IMD has issued continued rainfall warnings for coastal and central Maharashtra. Restoration work is underway to restore roads, communication, and public transport affected by the sudden downpour.