Mumbai: Flood concerns are mounting across Maharashtra after several rivers crossed danger levels following intense monsoon rainfall, while weather authorities have warned that heavy rain, strong winds and rough sea conditions are likely to continue over the coming days.

The latest weather situation has put emergency agencies on alert as rising water levels, coastal warnings and fresh rainfall forecasts raise the risk of flooding in vulnerable districts. 

Three major rivers in the Konkan region: The Amba, Savitri and Jagbudi, have already crossed danger levels after receiving heavy inflows from continuous rainfall. The Kundalika and Pinjal rivers have also moved above warning levels, prompting authorities to closely monitor riverbanks and low-lying settlements.

Officials say the situation remains under watch as additional rainfall is expected across several districts. Any further heavy showers in upstream catchment areas could lead to a fresh rise in water levels and localized flooding.

Mumbai rain alert: Heavy showers and gusty winds expected

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for Mumbai, forecasting intermittent spells of rain across the city and suburbs along with isolated spells of heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Weather officials have also warned of occasional gusty winds reaching speeds of 60 to 70 kilometres per hour. The combination of intense rainfall and strong winds could lead to waterlogging, reduced visibility, traffic disruptions and tree-fall incidents in some locations.

Authorities have advised caution during peak travel hours as conditions can change rapidly during intense monsoon spells.

Palghar records highest rainfall

Among the districts affected by the latest monsoon surge, Palghar recorded the highest rainfall in Maharashtra over the past 24 hours, receiving more than 200 mm of rain.

Heavy rainfall was also recorded in Thane, Raigad, Mumbai Metropolitan Region and parts of western Maharashtra. The widespread nature of the rainfall has contributed significantly to rising river levels and increasing flood concerns in the state.

Apart from heavy rainfall inland, coastal districts are also facing the threat of rough sea conditions.

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued a Red Alert for the entire Maharashtra coastline until the night of July 8. Forecasts indicate that wave heights could rise to nearly five metres along parts of the Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg coast.

Strong wave activity is also expected along the coasts of Mumbai, Thane and Raigad, increasing the risk of coastal erosion and sea surges.

Authorities have advised fishermen and operators of small vessels not to venture into the sea until conditions improve. Recreational activities near beaches and coastal waters have also been suspended in several areas as a precautionary measure.

Rain-related casualties reported

The ongoing monsoon has also led to weather-related casualties in different parts of Maharashtra.

A landslide triggered by heavy rainfall claimed one life in Satara district, while another person died after being struck by lightning in Nandurbar. Injuries were reported in separate tree-fall incidents in the Mumbai region and Thane as strong winds accompanied the rainfall.

Floodwaters and heavy rain also caused livestock losses in some districts, underlining the wider impact of the ongoing monsoon spell.

Reservoir levels improve but remain below last year's mark

Recent rainfall has helped improve water storage across Maharashtra's reservoirs, although overall stock levels remain lower than those recorded during the same period last year.

The Konkan division currently holds the highest reservoir storage among the state's regions. Authorities expect reservoir levels to rise further if the current spell of monsoon activity continues over the coming weeks.

Weather alerts continue across Maharashtra

Beyond Mumbai and the Konkan region, weather alerts remain active across several districts of Maharashtra.

Orange alerts are in place for parts of eastern Maharashtra, including Bhandara and Gondia, while several districts in Vidarbha remain under weather watch for heavy rainfall and thunderstorm activity.

Disaster management authorities have directed local administrations to remain prepared for flood response, rescue operations and emergency assistance wherever required.

With rivers already flowing above warning and danger levels, weather experts say the next 24 to 48 hours will be crucial. Continued rainfall in catchment areas could further increase flood risks in vulnerable locations.

With IANS inputs