Heavy rains in Maharashtra; 46 dead

Mumbai, Jun 17: Heavy rains in Maharashtra disrupted the normal life claiming the lives of 46 people. The rains with lightening caused flash floods, uprooted trees and damaged more than 600 homes. The heavy rains, accompanied by gusty winds also crippled road, rail and air traffic.

The rain which came after a long wait brought relief to the state but within just six days, monsoon has sent down an average of 280.8 mm of rainfall in Maharashtra. This monsoon has already given a heavy downpour, around 12 percent of the average annual rainfall since its onset on Jun 11.

The rain causing havocs has not given respite from water shortage, for the rural and urban areas remains an unfortunate reality. More than 2000 villagers have to depend on 2,095 water tankers still, mostly from marathwada and Vidarbha.

The government has announced an ex gratia of Rs one lakh each for the deceased and Rs 50,000 for seriously injured. The people with minor injuries will also get the compensation of Rs 25,000 from the government.

The authorities have issued a high tide alert for Jun, 17. The weather bureau also forecast heavy rainfall with strong winds and thundershowers in the state. Maharashtra government has sought help from National Disaster Management Force (NDMF), Navy and State Reserve Police for the rescue operations.

OneIndia News