Ten dead in rain-related incidents since July 1 across Palghar in Maharashtra: Officials

Palghar, Jul 7 (PTI) At least ten people have died amid heavy rain and flood-like situations in Palghar district of Maharashtra since July 1, including three casualties in the last 24 hours, while 1,261 residents have been evacuated and relocated to relief centres, a senior official said on Tuesday. Addressing a press conference, district collector Indu Rani Jakhar said the Palghar district recorded an average rainfall of 203 mm (in more than 24 hours) till 10:15 am on Tuesday. As part of disaster management operations, 389 families comprising 1,261 individuals have been safely evacuated and relocated to institutional relief centres, including schools, churches, and community halls in Palghar, Vasai, and Wada talukas. To assist local authorities, one team each of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been deployed in Virar. The continuous downpour has triggered flood-like situations in several pockets, prompting the administration to rescue and relocate people. "The flood-related incidents have resulted in 10 deaths across the district so far, with three casualties reported in the last 24 hours. Additionally, one person has been reported missing in Dahanu," the collector added. Rain-related incidents include wall collapse and drownings in nullahs and flooded fields in various parts of Palghar, including Vasai, Talasari, and Dahanu, according to officials. A search operation is underway for Pintubhau Vartha, who went missing after slipping into the Surya River on July 6. The collector said the Pinjal and Vaitarna rivers are currently flowing near their warning levels, and the administration is closely monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, the Mahim-Kelva minor irrigation dam, with a capacity of 3.242 million cubic meters, is filled to 100 per cent capacity. Torrential rains have damaged two houses, destroyed four kachha houses, and partially damaged 73 houses. As many as 8,085 poultry birds, seven buffaloes, two bulls, and two pigs have died in rain-related incidents across Palghar. Jakhar confirmed that the Mumbai-Ahmedabad national highway is functioning normally. Western Railway services between Dadar and Dahanu, which were affected by water-logging, successfully resumed operations on Monday night. The Palghar District Disaster Management Authority has issued a strict advisory, appealing to citizens not to venture outdoors unless absolutely necessary and to stay away from water bodies, including dams, waterfalls, rivers, streams, and beaches. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan on Tuesday visited the rain-battered Palghar district to review the flood situation and announced that a special study group will be set up to formulate long-term solutions to mitigate recurrent flooding in the region. An official release issued by the district administration at night said the Disaster Management Department will commission a scientific study through a reputed institution to thoroughly analyse the district's recurring flood issues, enabling the government to implement permanent measures. During his visit, Mahajan inspected several worst-hit areas, including Jawhar and Manor, and assessed damages to infrastructure, such as the flyover over Pachmad stream in Vikramgad. He also inspected the Mahim Kelve (Zanzroli) dam, where heavy downpour caused the pitching of the earthen embankment to collapse, and reviewed the preventive steps taken by the water resources department. Mahajan directed officials to accord top priority to citizens' safety and ensure seamless relief and rescue operations to prevent further loss of life. After interacting with villagers near the Kelve Mahim dam, the minister also instructed the District Collector to submit a proposal to construct a bridge connecting two local settlements, as demanded by the residents. PTI COR NSK NP