Rain fury continues unabated in Maharashtra

Two dead in landslide in Vasai; schools in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad to remain shut on July 14

Incessant showers continued to batter Maharashtra on July 13 with rivers crossing their danger-levels, dams overflowing, landslides, traffic snarls in urban centres, and communication to villages cut off in several districts in the State.

Two persons of a family were killed and two other family members were rescued following a landslide in Vasai on Wednesday July 13 when a portion of a hillock came crashing down on an illegal chawl in the Bhoidapada area, around 70 km from Mumbai city.

According to the authorities, the total toll in rain-related incidents and flood-like situation reached 89 with five fatalities reported in the last 24 hours alone.

Stating that the administration was keeping a close watch on the emergency situation created by the rains in several parts of the State, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said he was in continuous touch with all District Collectors in order to ensure that communication lines were maintained even in remote and far-flung areas.

“I have been talking to all the District Collectors since morning… instructions have been given to alert all citizens regarding the time of water release from dams in respective districts. All relief systems in the State are alert and ready. Efforts are being made to prevent mishaps. All district administrations have been given necessary instructions to provide food and the requisite facilities to persons who have been evacuated from rain-hit areas,” Mr. Shinde said.

There was no let-up in showers over Mumbai city and the adjoining Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Pune district, and the Konkan belt throughout the day.

The intensity of the downpour compelled civic authorities in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad to issue notifications for all schools, government-run and private, to remain closed on July 14.