Mumbai: Continuous torrential rainfall has thrown life completely out of gear across Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and the wider Konkan region. Severe waterlogging has been reported from multiple areas, with rainwater inundating streets and entering residential spaces.
The ongoing monsoon fury has triggered several rain-related mishaps across the state, claiming at least 9 lives and leaving 4 others injured so far. According to government official reports, 8 casualties were caused by wall collapse incidents, while 1 person died due to a tree falling.
Of the wall collapse fatalities, 6 were recorded in the Mumbai suburbs, 1 in Pune, and 1 in Thane. Additionally, 1 death was registered in the Mumbai suburbs due to a fallen tree.
The heavy downpour, which has been pounding the region for the last three to four days, has severely disrupted daily commutes as several roads have turned into overflowing rivers.
In a tragic incident in Mumbai’s Mankhurd area, six people were killed on the spot after a portion of a three-storey chawl collapsed. The structure had already been declared dangerous, and the mishap occurred while residents were packing their belongings in preparation for evacuation.
The victims include five young children and one woman, all of whom were crushed under the debris. Following the incident, the Mankhurd Police registered a case under Crime Register No. 425/2026 and have arrested two individuals in connection with the negligence.
Palghar district remains severely affected by the relentless downpour, with local rivers and streams overflowing. Major rivers in the district – including the Vaitarna, Tansa, Surya, Deherja, and Pinjal – are currently in a spate.
The Tansa River has breached its danger mark, while the Vaitarna River is flowing right at the danger level. Floodwaters from the Vaitarna have begun entering low-lying riparian villages. In response, the district administration has issued a high alert for all villages along the riverbanks.
In Alandi, Pune district, heavy morning rains gave way to light showers later in the day. However, continuous precipitation has left the Indrayani River flowing bank-to-bank, with floodwaters accumulating around the temple premises.
The flooding coincides with the upcoming Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage, as thousands of Warkaris (devotees) have already arrived in Alandi ahead of the processions of Saint Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Saint Tukaram Maharaj scheduled for tomorrow and the day after.
Given the precarious weather conditions, the local administration has repeatedly urged devotees to stay away from the riverbeds and ghat areas.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis issued an important advisory, requesting incoming pilgrims to avoid travelling to Alandi or Dehu altogether under the current circumstances and instead join the Wari directly from Pune.
Monsoon disruptions have struck a massive blow to state transport, with traffic on the vital Mumbai-Goa National Highway remaining paralysed for over 32 hours. Thousands of commuters have been left stranded in the Raigad district segment of the highway.
The gridlock began on the morning of July 5 after heavy rainwater accumulated on the highway near Sukeli Khind, close to Nagothane. The resulting traffic jam has created tailbacks stretching 7 to 8 kilometres on both sides of the highway.
Stranded passengers have expressed immense anger and frustration over the complete lack of basic amenities, as they remain trapped with no access to food, drinking water, or restrooms.
In a brief sigh of relief for commuters further down the coast, a massive landslide that blocked the Mumbai-Goa Highway near Khavati village in the Khed taluka of Ratnagiri district was successfully cleared.
The Highway Construction Department cleared the enormous debris after 14 hours of relentless work using three Poclain excavators and JCB machines.
Following the clearance, vehicular movement has resumed, though traffic is being channelled at a cautious, slow pace. Heavy commercial vehicles, private passenger buses, and trapped light vehicles have finally started moving towards their destinations.
However, as heavy rain continues to lash the region, the administration has deployed standby emergency teams to monitor the site for potential secondary landslides.
Officials have urged drivers to remain highly vigilant and strictly adhere to all administrative safety guidelines.
(IANS)
