Torrential Rains Wreak Havoc Across Marathwada
Torrential rains have once again disrupted normal life across six districts of Marathwada, causing extensive damage to agriculture, homes, and infrastructure. Rivers and streams have changed their courses, flooding farmlands and residential areas. The Godavari River and several tributaries—including the Kayadhu River in Hingoli and the Manjara River in Beed, Latur, and Dharashiv—are currently in spate.
Since June, heavy rainfall and flood-related incidents have claimed 90 lives, while 2,857 villages have reported damaged crops.
CM Fadnavis Holds Review Meeting
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a comprehensive review meeting on Sunday morning with district collectors from eight Marathwada districts—Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Beed, Hingoli, Jalna, Latur, Nanded, Dharashiv, Parbhani—alongside officials from Solapur.
He instructed officials to ensure immediate arrangements for food, drinking water, fodder, and healthcare in relief camps. The CM emphasized the importance of relocating citizens in low-lying areas in advance, especially where dam water discharge is increasing.
“Officials must stay on the ground and personally supervise relief operations,” CM Fadnavis stated.
Dam Discharge Situation
Heavy rainfall in catchment areas has led to massive water discharge from several dams:
- Jayakwadi Dam: Currently releasing 1.25 lakh cusecs into the Godavari; discharge could rise to 1.5 lakh cusecs.
- Majalgaon Dam: Discharge reduced to 41,701 cusecs from 95,000.
- Seena-Kolegaon: 75,000 cusecs released initially; reduced to 60,000 cusecs at some points.
- Ujani Dam: Releasing 1 lakh cusecs.
District-wise Updates
Solapur: Over 4,002 people have been rescued, with 6,500 sheltered in relief camps receiving food, water, and medical care. The Akshaya Patra Foundation is assisting in food distribution. Immediate relief is being provided with Rs 10,000 and 10 kg each of rice and wheat to affected families. Health camps will expand starting Monday.
Beed: Seventeen dams are full, and two dams are at 90% capacity. Villages in Wadwani taluka have lost road connectivity, prompting deployment of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Army personnel. Since September, 2,567 families have been evacuated. Ten deaths have been reported, with compensation already disbursed to eight families.
Jalna: Heavy rainfall has impacted 26 revenue circles, with 48 out of 51 water projects overflowing. Over 225 citizens have been shifted to safer locations. Since June, nine lives have been lost due to heavy rains.
Latur: More than 500 citizens from Ahmedpur, Udgir, Chakur, and other areas are sheltered in relief camps. Sixty submerged roads and bridges have been reopened. NDRF teams remain on standby for emergency response.
Nanded: Twenty-three revenue circles experienced heavy rain on September 27, followed by thirteen more on September 28. Sixty-seven people were rescued, and 424 are currently housed in relief camps. Sixteen camps have been established, and 56 houses have collapsed.
Parbhani: Floods have cut off 36 villages, leading to the relocation of 1,386 citizens. Since June, six deaths have been reported, with compensation distributed to affected families. Financial aid has been given for 203 damaged houses. Local artists and citizens have joined hands with the administration in relief efforts.
Hingoli: Twenty-three revenue circles have been affected, with 10 villages cut off. Thirteen deaths have been reported, and compensation has already been disbursed. The government has allocated Rs 231.27 crore for immediate relief operations.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The district recorded 818.5 mm of rainfall against an average of 581.7 mm. Sixty-eight circles experienced heavy rainfall. A total of 424 houses collapsed, including 133 pucca and 291 kutcha houses. Evacuated citizens are being sheltered in schools and community halls.
Dharashiv: Floods have cut off six villages, forcing the relocation of 3,615 people. Eighty-eight homes have been destroyed, with immediate relief measures underway.
Rising Concerns
In Beed, Nanded, and Jalna, schools and police stations have been inundated. In Latur and Nanded, schools and private tuition classes have been suspended due to safety concerns. Relief operations are ongoing with support from the NDRF, Army, NGOs, and local volunteers.
CM Assures Full Support
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured the public that all possible measures are being taken to minimize loss of life and property. He directed that rescue, health, and rehabilitation operations continue to be carried out on a war footing to effectively manage the crisis.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/marathwada-floods-torrential-rains-disrupt-life-cm-fadnavis-reviews-relief-operations
