140 dead, Over 100 Missing As Maharashtra Reels Under Torrential Rain

Torrential rain and its aftermath continued to torment Maharashtra as the death toll rose to over 140 on Saturday.

The actual toll can be higher as more than 100 people are missing.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray visited Raigad, one of the most-affected districts, to take stock of the situation. At least 47 rain-related deaths have been reported from the state’s flood-ravaged district.

The Maharashtra government has described the rains and flooding as “unprecedented” as it led to a number of landslides and house collapse in western and southern parts of the state.

Raigad apart, the other districts to bear the brunt of nature’s fury are Thane, Ratnagiri, Satara, Sangli and Kolhapur.

A total of 34 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been pressed into service in 11 districts for rescue and relief operations. NDRF personnel have so far evacuated 1.35 lakh people from flood-hit areas.

Karnataka is also witnessing heavy downpour, leading to landslides at eight places. Three people have died and about 9,000 evacuated in the last 24 hours. The state government has sounded a Red alert in seven districts.

The IMD has warned that heavy to very heavy showers will continue across India’s west coast for the next two days.