Mumbai, July 6 (IANS) In light of the ongoing torrential rains across the state, Maharashtra’s Minister for Women and Child Development (WCD), Aditi Tatkare, on Monday reviewed the flood situation in Raigad, Ratnagiri, and other affected districts.

The review was conducted at the State Emergency Operations Centre in the Mantralaya, alongside State Disaster Management Director, Bhalchandra Chavan.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘Red Alert’ predicting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall for Raigad and Ratnagiri districts today and tomorrow.

Highlighting that the next 48 hours are highly critical for both coastal districts, Minister Tatkare stated that the local administration has been strictly instructed to implement all necessary precautionary measures immediately.

To tackle potential rain-related emergencies, a team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been stationed in Mahad and kept ready. Furthermore, to ensure a swift and effective response in the Sudhagad and Roha regions, the minister said a formal request has been made to deploy an additional contingent of 145 rescue personnel.

Minister Tatkare noted that she is in regular communication with various organisations in Karjat and Khopoli, which consistently work on the ground to assist citizens during floods.

She assured that the state government will provide these organisations with all required resources and, if needed, their services will be utilised in other affected parts of the district as well.

She affirmed that they are continuously monitoring the state’s flood situation directly from the State Emergency Operations Centre in coordination with local administrations, and that the entire system is on high alert to ensure citizen safety, with all security and rescue agencies fully prepared to handle any emergency effectively.

As a safety precaution, Minister Tatkare has appealed to all citizens across the state not to step out of their homes unless it is absolutely necessary. She urged people to avoid non-essential travel and to take utmost care of themselves and those around them.

Minister Tatkare’s move is important as Raigad is one of the severely hit districts in the state due to incessant rains and gusty winds. 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.

–IANS

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