Tragedy Strikes Maharashtra: One Life Lost and 14 Stranded as Devastating Floods Surge Amid Heavy Rains

Torrential rains over the past 24 hours have resulted in devastating flooding across western Maharashtra and the Marathwada region, tragically claiming one life and leaving 14 individuals stranded. Authorities reported that the casualty was due to a lightning strike in Nanded district. Among those stranded, 12 people found themselves trapped in Dharashiv district, while two were caught in flooding caused by the Sena River in Barshi, Solapur district.

In response to the crisis, an Indian Air Force helicopter was dispatched from Nashik, and a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) based in Pune has joined the rescue efforts, according to the Chief Minister’s Office. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who also oversees Beed as the Guardian Minister, has directed officials to deploy NDRF teams across multiple districts affected by the heavy rains, emphasizing that “all government agencies are on alert.” “The government stands with the people affected by the floods and is committed to providing assistance in every possible way,” he added.

The Marathwada region, encompassing districts such as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Beed, Hingoli, Jalna, Latur, Nanded, Dharashiv, and Parbhani, has been particularly hard-hit by relentless rainfall. Data from government sources shows that Dharashiv recorded the highest rainfall in the region at 65 mm in the past 24 hours, with Beed following at 48 mm. Other affected areas included Jalna (30 mm), Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (29 mm), Nanded (20 mm), and Parbhani (17 mm). Meanwhile, Solapur district experienced rainfall of 53 mm.

As of September, Dharashiv has received a staggering total of 195 mm of rainfall, significantly surpassing that of its neighboring areas-Beed at 183 mm, Nanded at 179 mm, Latur and Solapur at 173 mm, Parbhani at 167 mm, Jalna at 159 mm, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar at 155 mm. This marks the second instance in two months that Marathwada and western Maharashtra have been beset by flooding, raising severe concerns for farmers already struggling during the kharif season. Crops such as soybean, cotton, tur, moong, urad, jowar, turmeric, and bananas have been significantly impacted.

In an effort to assist the affected farmers, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Jadhav-Patil announced a substantial aid package worth ₹689.52 crore. Notably, ₹553.48 crore has been earmarked for Nanded, promising 100% compensation to impacted farmers. Agriculture Minister Dattatrey Barne reassured the public of the government’s commitment, stating, “We are conducting the panchnama (documentation of losses). Rainfall persists, and some areas remain affected. Once the weather stabilizes, we will announce additional compensation. Within 15 days, we anticipate resolution of these issues.”

As the situation unfolds, the community and government agencies remain on high alert, tackling the challenges posed by the continuing rains and ensuring that aid reaches those most in need.

Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/one-killed-14-stranded-in-floodwaters-as-heavy-rains-wreak-havoc-in-maharashtra/article70082248.ece
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Publish Date: 2025-09-23 01:18:00