Mumbai: Western Maharashtra is reeling under relentless downpours that have caused widespread devastation across Satara district. The popular hill station of Mahabaleshwar registered an extraordinary 513 mm of rain within a 24-hour window, marking one of the highest single-day rainfall totals recorded in the region this century, state government sources confirmed on Tuesday.

Landslides and blackouts paralise Mahabaleshwar

The continuous deluge has completely paralysed daily life across the western hilly terrains of Satara. In Mahabaleshwar, severe waterlogging has submerged several roads, and multiple landslides have been reported.
 

Fissured roads, uprooted trees and damaged power lines have triggered widespread blackouts and severed communication links to numerous villages. Massive mudslides and falling boulders on rural Ghat roads have blocked critical transport routes, bringing vehicular traffic to a complete halt. Officials noted that the 513 mm figure stands out as one of the most severe rainfall events in Satara's history.

Local administration issues high alert

In response to the record-breaking downpour, the local administration has been placed on high alert, urging citizens to stay indoors unless travel is absolutely essential. While the region’s iconic waterfalls and Venna Lake are overflowing, the torrential rain has created a severe crisis for local residents, with officials warning that restoring normalcy could take major time.

Cloudburst-like situation triggers flash floods

Meanwhile, Atit village in Khandala Taluka experienced a cloudburst-like scenario overnight. The sudden deluge triggered flash floods in local streams as massive volumes of water cascaded down the hillsides.

The floodwaters breached a local temple and transformed streets into fast-flowing rivers, inundating several houses along the banks and damaging crops and household property. Affected villagers and farmers have urged the government to immediately conduct official damage assessments (panchnamas) and provide financial relief.

Widespread monsoon fury across Maharashtra

Heavy rains continue to lash various other regions across Maharashtra, with the exception of Marathwada. Following intense downpours in Mumbai and its suburbs, authorities have declared a school holiday.

According to a situation summary report released by the Maharashtra State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA) on Tuesday morning, Palghar district recorded the state's highest rainfall over the previous 24 hours at a staggering 203.3 mm. Neighbouring Thane and Raigad districts also experienced heavy spells, recording 116.4 mm and 108.7 mm respectively, while Mumbai Suburban registered 90.4 mm and Pune recorded 70.9 mm.

IANS