Maharashtra rains have claimed over 46 lives: Chhagan Bhujbal

Mumbai, June 17 (ANI): Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal has said that heavy rains in the State have claimed over 46 lives so far.

The incessant rains in Mumbai on Wednesday led to water logging in several areas and over 46 people were killed due to building and wall collapses, falling trees, or by getting washed away.

Several animals were also killed and scores of houses destroyed.

"There has been lighting strikes at different places in the State. Some have been washed away by the water, some died because of falling of trees. 46 people have died and 600 houses have been destroyed, which need repairing," said Bhujbal.

Bhujbal said the Navy and Air Force are on high alert, and the National Disaster Force is active as well.

"From the National Disaster Force, three groups have been deployed in different places. They have cutters, and other equipments to use in this situation, lights and cameras to be used are there with them," said Bhujbal.

The Maharashtra Government has declared a compensation of Rs one lakh for the kin of those killed.

Meanwhile, the meteorological department has forecast heavy rainfall, accompanied with thundershowers and strong winds, in parts of city and its suburbs for the next twenty-four hours. (ANI)