Maharashtra Floods: Sangli, Kolhapur Inundated, Pune-Bangalore Highway Impacted

A respite from heavy torrential downpour is likely on July 26 for the flood-hit Maharashtra. India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted rainfall at isolated places in the state, accompanied by strong winds. Rains will be accompanied by strong winds of 45-55 kmph gusting to 60 kmph over southwest and central Arabian sea, a forecast read, advising fishermen to not venture into these areas. In the later part of the week, the state can continue to expect relief from the rainfall as the monsoon now travels upwards to Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. At least 153 people lost their lives, 64 have been missing and 230,000 people have been displaced in the worst floods Maharashtra has seen in decades. The death toll from the landslide in Satara and Ratnagiri villages rose to 43 on July 25 but the situation in flood-affected Kolhapur and Sangli saw improvement with rain taking a break. More than 1.28 lakh residents were shifted to safer places before water could flood their homes, Chaudhary added. According to Chaudhary, there are 11 villages in the district that are completely underwater and 83 that are partially underwater. In Kolhapur, too, the situation was improving as the Panchganga river water had started receding. Pune-Bengaluru National Highway remained shut for vehicular traffic even on July 25 as the water receded slowly along the stretch between Sangli phata and Tawde hotel in the Kolhapur area. Watch the video to know more.