12 killed in rain-related incidents over 6 days in Maharashtra, excess rainfall in coastal areas

Mumbai, Jul 14 (PTI) Twelve persons were killed and 21 others injured in rain and other weather-related incidents across Maharashtra between July 8 and 13, the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) said on Tuesday. The worst-hit area was Moshi in Pune district, where a tragic building collapse on July 8 claimed nine lives and left as many others injured. Emergency services, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Army, and local fire brigades, rescued nine individuals from the debris, the SDMA said in its report presented before the state cabinet. Other fatalities during the six days were reported due to walls collapsing in Thane and Kolhapur, and drowning in floodwaters in Dhule. This brings the cumulative weather-related death toll in the state since January 2026 to 105, it said. According to data compiled by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), regional rainfall distribution remains highly uneven. The Konkan, Pune, and Nashik divisions received 666.30 mm of rainfall between June 1 and July 13, registering a 13 per cent excess over the 30-year average of 543.65 mm. Conversely, the remaining revenue divisions reported a significant 28 per cent deficit, receiving only 178.60 mm against the normal 247.57 mm. Districts such as Palghar, Mumbai, and Pune recorded excess rainfall, while regions like Nandurbar and Hingoli faced severe deficits, according to the SDMA report. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) confirmed that location-based real-time warnings have been deployed extensively. Ahead of intensifying monsoon activity, 17 NDRF teams and 6 SDRF teams were pre-positioned in high-risk zones, including Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Satara. Special landslide alerts were also issued for Maval (Lonavala) and Matheran after rainfall surpassed the 500 mm mark. The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Maharashtra from July 14 to 16, with heavy showers expected in the ghat sections. Thunderstorms and lightning are anticipated in the Vidarbha region on July 17. No red or orange alerts are currently active for the state. In a separate welfare directive, the Relief and Rehabilitation Department highlighted the execution of the 'Shri Vitthal Rakhumai Warkari Scheme' for Pandharpur pilgrims. The scheme provides an immediate ex gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to the kin of warkaris (devotees of Lord Vitthal) who die in accidents during the pilgrimage, alongside compensation up to Rs 2.5 lakh for permanent disabilities and financial aid for hospital stays. District Collectors have been authorised to immediately draw funds to ensure seamless disbursement to beneficiaries. On Monday, three women warkaris were killed and four others injured after a truck accompanying a 'waari' procession hit them in Pune district. Warkaris from across the state undertake the annual 'waari' pilgrimage to Pandhapur town in Solapur district to offer prayers at the temple of Lord Vitthal on the occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi, which will be celebrated on July 25 this year. PTI MR GK