NDRF intensifies rescue operations as heavy rains batter Maharashtra

The NDRF intensified rescue operations across rain-hit Maharashtra after landslides, flooding and transport disruptions. The Indian Navy remains on high alert, while authorities issued red alerts, urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, and warned of strong winds and continued heavy rainfall

Mumbai: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has intensified rescue and relief operations across several parts of Maharashtra as relentless rainfall continues to lash the state, severely disrupting normal life and triggering landslides, waterlogging, and transport disruptions.

Meanwhile, the Indian Navy said that the Western Naval Command has been placed on high alert amid the continuing heavy rainfall and is fully prepared to assist the state administration whenever requested.

---

One of the major incidents was reported from Patan village in Pune’s Maval tehsil, where a portion of a hillside collapsed at around 4 a.m., burying the house of local resident Nandu Tikone under a huge mass of debris. Three members of the family were feared trapped beneath the rubble.

A 30-member NDRF team has reached the affected area, immediately launched a rescue operation at the site, and recovered one body. Search operations are continuing despite challenging weather conditions to trace the remaining two missing family members.

In another rescue operation in Pune district, Team 5 Headquarters of the NDRF’s 5th Battalion responded swiftly to a waterlogging incident near Ghorawadi Railway Station in Maval and successfully rescued all 37 passengers stranded inside a private bus.

Amid the worsening weather situation, Maharashtra Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan on Monday urged citizens to avoid monsoon tourism and unnecessary outings, warning that strict action could be taken against those ignoring official advisories.

“The state is experiencing an exceptionally high volume of rainfall. Roads and railway routes have been shut down, and the Pune-Mumbai transport corridor is closed. Schools have been ordered to remain closed. A Disaster Management meeting has been convened at the Mantralaya in Mumbai. I strictly advise citizens against stepping out for tourism or sightseeing in Mumbai. We will announce further decisions shortly,” he said.

The minister further highlighted the danger posed by severe weather conditions. “Wind speeds have reached 70 to 90 km/h, causing trees to uproot across Mumbai. Despite this, people are gathering in crowds outdoors — please do not do this,” he added.

A red alert has been issued for several areas for Monday and Tuesday, with warnings of heavy downpours and stormy conditions.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reiterated these warnings, noting that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), with wind speeds expected to touch 80 to 90 km/h.