Maharashtra: 16 Killed In 10 Days As Torrential Rain Batters Vidarbha, Rescue Ops In Landslide-Hit Raigad Called Off

IMD predicted heavy rains in Amravati district, while cloudy weather is likely to prevail in other parts of Vidarbha, the weather office said.

New Delhi: At least 16 people were killed and 4,500 houses damaged as torrential rain lashed parts of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra in the last 10 days, news agency PTI reported. The incessant showers affected nearly 54,000 hectares of agricultural land, of which more than 53,000 hectares is in Amravati division. As many as 2,796 people were shifted to safer places, mostly in Yavatmal district, PTI reported.

According to Regional Meteorological Centre in Nagpur, Akola recorded 107.9 mm rainfall, followed by Yavatmal at 24.0 mm, Wardha 23.4 mm, Amravati 15.6 mm, Nagpur 6.7 mm, Gadchiroli with 3.0 mm, Gondia 2.2 mm, Brahmpuri 2.4 mm and Buldhana 2.0 mm, in the last 24 hours.

According to the report, in Nagpur division, three people were killed in Gadchiroli and Bhandara respectively, Wardha and Gondia reported two deaths, while and Chandrapur reported one death since July 13.

The Amravati division recorded four deaths on July 21 with Yavatmal topping the list with three fatalities. Akola and Buldhana recorded one death each.

In the wake of the inclement weather, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said the state government is fully alert to tackle issues triggered by excessive rains.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday predicted heavy rains in Amravati district, while cloudy weather is likely to prevail in other parts of Vidarbha.

Meanwhile, the rescue operation in landslide-hit Raigad was called off on Sunday, news agency ANI reported.

Addressing a press conference, Minister Uday Samant said the decision was taken in consultation with district administration and other authorities concerned as well as the locals. So far, 27 bodies have been recovered, while 57 are untraceable, officials said. They added that no body was found on Sunday.

“As decided by District Administration, other senior officials, and as briefed by Minister Uday Samant, the rescue operations has been called off and closed. Details of missing and the deceased can be obtained from the administration,” NDRF said in a statement.

As per reports, the search and rescue operation at Irshalwadi hamlet in Maharashtra's Raigad district resumed for the third day on Saturday after a massive landslide claimed the lives of at least 22 people. According to PTI, 86 villagers are yet to be traced, officials said. The landslide occurred on Wednesday night.