Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has urged district administrations to remain on high alert as heavy rainfall continues to lash several parts of the state. Shinde said he had spoken directly with district collectors and instructed them to provide immediate assistance to citizens trapped in floodwaters and ensure their safe relocation.
For the past 15 days, persistent downpours have battered Maharashtra, particularly Marathwada and central regions, where flood-like conditions have disrupted daily life in several villages. Authorities report that swollen rivers and overflowing dams in districts such as Beed and Dharashiv have worsened the situation, leading to localised flooding.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has cautioned that the monsoon is likely to intensify again. A low-pressure system is expected to develop over the Bay of Bengal on 24 September, with its effects reaching Maharashtra by 28 September. “Thunderstorms accompanied by stormy rain are likely in many parts of the state between 22 and 25 September,” the IMD warned, adding that rainfall could be more severe in the afternoons.
Since midnight on Monday, Solapur and Dharashiv districts have reported heavy downpours that have caused extensive damage to standing crops. Marathwada has endured continuous rains for over a week, leaving farmers grappling with widespread losses.
The weather office has predicted that rainfall will gradually intensify across the state in the coming days. On 26 September, Vidarbha and Marathwada are expected to receive rain in the afternoon, with the intensity rising further on 27 September across Vidarbha, Marathwada, Khandesh, Konkan, and central Maharashtra. Some pockets could experience heavy showers. Western Maharashtra is forecast to continue receiving downpours on 28 September.
Authorities have advised residents, particularly in flood-prone areas of Konkan, western Maharashtra, and Khandesh, to stay vigilant. The state Agriculture Department has also issued an advisory urging farmers to take preventive measures. “Farmers should protect harvested crops from strong winds and stormy rains,” the advisory said.
