IMD Red Alert and Orange Alerts Across Maharashtra
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Raigad districts on Sunday, signaling the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning in isolated pockets. An orange alert has been issued for several other districts, including Mumbai’s neighboring areas and parts of central Maharashtra, indicating heavy to very heavy rainfall possible over the next three days. Weather officials warned that the situation could worsen, prompting precautionary measures across the state.
Operational Readiness: NDRF on High Alert
In response to the forecast, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been placed on high alert in key urban centers such as Mumbai and Thane, with additional standby deployment in Pune and Nagpur to ensure quick mobilization and relief. A total of six NDRF teams have been pre-positioned for immediate relief operations. Specifically, two teams have been deployed in Solapur, two in Dharashiv, and one team each in Beed and Latur districts, officials told PTI.
Relief Funds and Agricultural Support
Against the backdrop of widespread flood threat, the Maharashtra government is disbursing funds for flood-affected farmers with a focus on getting relief money to beneficiaries before Diwali, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said on Saturday. The relief measures aim to mitigate the heavy crop losses that have plagued Marathwada since the onset of intensified rainfall from September 20, affecting crops on lakhs of hectares and leaving farmers in distress.
Impact on People and Infrastructure
Marathwada has witnessed torrential downpours that inundated villages and swelled rivers, cutting off connectivity and damaging roads. Official updates cite that more than 65 mm of rainfall was recorded in Beed, Latur, Dharashiv, Nanded, Parbhani and Hingoli in the 24 hours ending at 8 am. The Manjara River is reported to be flowing above its capacity, raising concerns that water could spill into adjoining fields if rains persist. In several districts, water-logged bridges were shut as a precautionary measure, and rescue teams remain on standby to shuttle stranded residents.
Situation in Marathwada
Since September 20, heavy rains in Marathwada have caused widespread damage, with at least nine fatalities reported and crops across tens of thousands of hectares washed away. Officials caution that the situation remains fluid as the ongoing downpour threatens to disrupt transport networks and livelihoods across the region.
Public Safety Advisory
Authorities have urged residents to follow official instructions and avoid travel to flood-prone zones. The government’s release emphasized not taking shelter under trees during thunderstorms and avoiding crossing waterlogged roads or bridges. Citizens are advised to stay tuned to official updates from the SEOC and local authorities, and to refrain from spreading rumors that could hinder relief efforts.
What Comes Next
The IMD forecast indicates that rain activity may intensify, with an orange alert extending across Mumbai, Thane and Raigad through Tuesday morning and potentially beyond. Officials stressed the importance of preparedness as rivers swell, low-lying areas face inundation risk, and transportation networks remain vulnerable. Residents and travelers are urged to rely on official advisories and avoid unnecessary journeys until conditions improve.
