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Heavy Rainfall in Maharashtra

In recent days, Maharashtra, including Mumbai and Pune, has experienced intense rainfall, leading to numerous fatalities and significant disruption to daily life. Streets, metro systems, and railway tracks have been severely flooded, and air travel has also been affected. On Tuesday, local train services, which are vital for the financial capital Mumbai, were suspended due to the heavy downpour, prompting the closure of schools, colleges, and government offices. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert in response to the situation.

Government Response to the Crisis

Amidst the heavy rains across various regions, Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reported that approximately 300 mm of rain fell in Mumbai, causing some disruptions. However, he noted that the water level of the Mithi River is gradually decreasing. From 8 AM on August 18 to 8 AM on August 19, the city recorded 300 mm of rainfall. The Chief Minister stated that teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed where necessary. A red alert will remain in effect for the Konkan and Ghats regions for the next few hours, with an orange alert issued for certain areas.

Impact on Local Transportation

During a press briefing, Chief Minister Fadnavis mentioned that the heavy rainfall has resulted in loss of life and property in some areas. He confirmed the deployment of SDRF and NDRF personnel in affected locations. The continuous rain since last night has led to significant flooding in the city, particularly in the Naopada area, which was visited by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. In Kurla's Kranti Nagar, an NDRF team has been stationed to assist with rescue and relief efforts. The local train services between Vashi and Mumbai stations were halted due to the severe weather, causing considerable inconvenience for commuters. Train operations were disrupted for nearly an hour, leaving many passengers stranded at the station, which resulted in overcrowding on the platforms and visible frustration among travelers. Railway staff were seen attempting to manage the situation at the station.

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