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IMD issues red, orange alert across Maharashtra, schools shut in Palghar | Updates
The IMD issued a red alert for Raigad, Ratnagiri, Gondia, Chandrapur, Bhandara, and Gadchiroli.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a series of weather alerts, placing several districts across Maharashtra under red and orange warnings as intense monsoon rains sweep in.
The weather body has forecast heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours. Authorities are on high alert, and precautionary measures are being swiftly implemented to minimise risk.
Red alert in six Maharashtra districts
The IMD issued a red alert for Raigad, Ratnagiri, Gondia, Chandrapur, Bhandara, and Gadchiroli, predicting extremely heavy rainfall and potential flooding.
Also Read | Heavy rains likely from Saturday in Himachal: IMD
Authorities have also urged residents to stay indoors, avoid travel unless necessary, and closely follow local authorities' updates.
Palghar declares holiday amid red alert threat
Meanwhile, a holiday has been declared for all schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centres on July 26 due to the weather warning, said Palghar District Collector Dr Indu Rani Jakhar.
The district, already reeling under heavy showers, is expected to receive very heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours.
Also Read | Heavy rain alert in Karnataka: Schools, colleges shut in Dakshina Kannada
IMD Scientist Sushma Nair told ANI that a red alert has been issued for the adjoining Ghat area of Pune and an orange alert for the Ghat areas of Nashik.
Additionally, increased water discharge from several dams has raised concerns about possible downstream flooding. Local administrations are monitoring river levels and have urged those living in low-lying areas to be prepared for emergency evacuations if needed.
Konkan, Marathwada under orange alert
Beyond Palghar, other regions, including Konkan, Vidarbha, Western Maharashtra, and Marathwada, have also been placed under orange and yellow alerts.
Similarly, a red alert has been sounded for the `ghat' (hilly) areas of Pune district and an orange alert for the ghat areas of Nashik and Satara districts.
The IMD has advised fishermen and travellers to exercise extreme caution, particularly along the coast and near rivers.
Mumbai rains
Heavy rains lashed Mumbai on Friday morning, slowing down vehicular traffic and affecting some suburban train services on the Western Railway, officials said. More showers are expected later in the day, they said.
According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) 's Monsoon Report, the island city, eastern suburbs, and Western suburbs have received an average rainfall of 29.40 mm, 29.44 mm, and 18.88 mm, respectively.
IIT Bombay and IMD collaborate on a new rain alert system
To take precautionary measures and ease the daily commute, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) have collaborated to provide hyperlocal rain alerts, including details about possible waterlogging.
The processed data will be accessible to citizens on mumbaiflood.in, which was launched on Friday.
