Palghar, Maharashtra: Torrential Rainfall Disrupts Daily Life, Red Alert Issued
Torrential rainfall has lashed Palghar district for the past 24 hours, causing widespread disruption and prompting authorities to issue a red alert. Beginning around 9:30 pm on September 27, the heavy downpour—accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds—resulted in flooding, tree falls, lightning strikes, and damage to homes across the district.
Schools and Offices Closed
With the red alert continuing on September 29, all schools, colleges, and educational institutions—including government, private, and ashram schools—have been declared closed. However, teachers and government staff have been instructed to remain at their respective workplaces to manage ongoing operations.
Impact on Infrastructure and Roads
Several houses sustained partial damage due to the severe weather conditions. Uprooted trees and waterlogging have disrupted traffic in multiple areas throughout the district:
- Manor–Palghar road: Floodwaters have forced a complete closure, leaving vehicles stranded.
- Mauje Walve region: Roads from Katkar Pada to Kadupada, Kardal Pada, and Palat Pada are submerged under water.
- Vikramgad: Deharje-Shil and Shelpada–Malwada roads have been closed due to water flowing over bridges.
- Wada: Multiple roads, including the Wada-Kalambe bridge, have been closed; police have been deployed for traffic management.
- Vangaon: The Chinchani–Vangaon road is blocked by a fallen tamarind tree; clearing operations are currently underway.
Lightning and Tree Damage
Lightning strikes injured five residents in Kharshet village, Masvan Saje area; all were treated and discharged from medical facilities. In Jawhar taluka, one person sustained injuries and a house was damaged due to the storm.
Strong winds toppled electricity poles in Shiroshi, while falling trees caused partial damage to homes in Vikramgad, Talasari, and Dahanu talukas.
Dam Levels and Water Discharge
All major dams in the district are currently at full capacity, prompting significant water releases to manage the overflow. Current discharge rates are as follows:
- Modak Sagar: 55,156 cusecs
- Tansa: 41,999.88 cusecs
- Surya: 10,629 cusecs
- Middle Vaitarna: 22,425 cusecs
Authorities’ Advisory
District Collector and Disaster Management Authority Chairperson, Dr. Indu Rani Jakhad, has urged residents to stay calm and remain indoors. She advised avoiding low-lying areas and strictly following official advisories to ensure safety.
Emergency teams from the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are on standby to assist with rescue and relief operations as needed.
Residents requiring assistance can contact the District Disaster Control Room at:
- Phone: 02525-297474
- Mobile: +91-8237978873
- Toll-Free: 1077
Stay tuned for further updates and stay safe.
