Raigad battles floods, landslides; over 200 rescued

Officials said rescue operations were carried out on a war footing by the revenue department and police with support from Aapda Mitra volunteers, non-governmental organisations, trekkers and local residents.

Navi Mumbai: Over 200 stranded residents and tourists were rescued and 937 people from 14 villages were evacuated to safer locations by the Raigad district administration as relentless monsoon rain triggered flooding, landslides and rising river levels across the district.

Raigad battles floods, landslides; over 200 rescued

Officials said rescue operations were carried out on a war footing by the revenue department and police with support from Aapda Mitra volunteers, non-governmental organisations, trekkers and local residents.

The district recorded an average rainfall of 236.6 mm till 10am on Sunday. Khalapur received the highest rainfall at 323.3 mm, followed by Mahad at 272.2 mm and Sudhagad at 268.2 mm. Authorities said heavy rainfall in catchment areas, including 625 mm in Lonavala and 463 mm in Mahabaleshwar, led to a sharp rise in river levels across Raigad.

By 11am, the Savitri, Amba and Kundalika rivers had crossed the danger mark, while the Patalganga river was flowing at the danger level. Public address systems are being used to alert residents in low-lying and riverside areas, while evacuation teams remain on standby.

The district has reported 25 landslides and mudslides, with landslides affecting areas near 73 houses. Three people have been injured in these incidents. Road-clearing teams have been deployed to remove debris and restore traffic, while families residing in landslide-prone areas have been relocated.

Heavy rainfall has also disrupted road connectivity. Traffic has been affected on stretches of national highways, state highways, district roads and village roads due to waterlogging and overflowing streams. Vehicles are being diverted through alternate routes, though railway services remain unaffected.

The administration confirmed that three people have died and five others remain missing in rain-related incidents across the district. Search operations were underway in Panvel, Karjat and Mahad talukas following separate incidents at waterfalls, rivers and other tourist locations.

Preliminary reports indicate that 84 houses have been damaged, while floodwaters entered another 242 houses. Seven cattle sheds have also been damaged. Damage assessment surveys are underway, and compensation will be provided to affected families as per government norms, officials said.