Maharashtra: Flood Alert In Kolhapur As Panchganga River Water Levels Surge

Concerns have been raised about a scenario similar to the flood situations experienced in 2019 and 2021, where floodwaters inundated people's homes.

Kolhapur district is again on the edge of floods. [File Image]

Source : Getty

The continuous rise in the water level of the Panchganga River in Kolhapur has resulted in a critical flood situation in the region. As of the latest update, the water level of the Panchganga River has reached 41 feet, which is just two feet below the danger mark of 43 feet. Authorities have issued a warning that the water from the Radhanagari dam might be released soon, as the dam's water level has not been discharged yet. It is estimated that the water level in the river could reach up to 47 feet by tonight.

A red alert has been declared for the next two days, indicating a high risk of severe flooding in the area. To address potential rescue and relief efforts, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are on high alert in Kolhapur, Sangli, and Satara regions.

In the interest of public safety, precautionary measures have been taken, and an order has been issued to close all schools in 28 villages in the first phase. Additionally, authorities have directed the relocation of the ground floor of the collector's office.

Concerns have been raised about a scenario similar to the flood situations experienced in 2019 and 2021, where floodwaters inundated people's homes.

Irshalwadi Tribal Village Landslide Update 

A landslide occurred in Irshalwadi, a tribal village situated on a hill slope in a coastal district approximately 80 km from Mumbai, on July 19. As a result, at least 17 out of the 48 houses in the village were either fully or partially buried under debris.

Due to the village's location, and lacking a proper road infrastructure, earth movers and excavators could not be easily mobilised to the site, necessitating a manual search and rescue operation. Volunteers and sniffer dogs assisted in the efforts, but the operation was challenging, and it was called off on Sunday.

NDRF conducted the search and rescue operation and managed to recover 27 bodies from the rubble before concluding their efforts on Sunday.

State minister Uday Samant informed reporters that 57 people were reported missing, while 144 out of the 228 individuals who were present in Irshalwadi at the time of the incident have sought shelter in a nearby temple.