Over 200 people were relocated and nearly 90 others rescued after heavy rains inundated several areas in the Hingoli district of Maharashtra’s Marathwada region, while over 2 lakh hectares of crops were affected in the neighbouring Nanded district. The Marathwada region, comprising eight districts, has been experiencing relentless downpours since Sunday, resulting in the loss of four lives in rain-related incidents.
Officials reported that 45 revenue circles in Nanded were severely impacted, with crops on over 2 lakh hectares damaged and 25 animals reported dead. The most affected areas include Nanded city, Ardhapur, Hadgaon, Degloor, Mudkhed, Kandhar, Loha, and Naigaon. A crop loss survey will be conducted once the rains subside, according to Nanded collector Abhijit Raut.
Hingoli district also faced severe challenges, with 218 residents relocated and 87 people rescued on Monday. Tragically, two residents, including a 10-year-old child, drowned in Sarangwadi village. The district recorded an average rainfall of 141.70 mm on Monday, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, including the loss of 77 cowsheds.
In response to the heavy rains, 14 gates of Vishnupuri Dam and nine gates of the Upper Manar project were opened, releasing excess water into the Godavari and Manar rivers. Hingoli’s district guardian minister, Abdul Sattar, visited the rain-hit villages to assess the damage.
In neighboring Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, Sawaladbara circle received 101.50 mm of rainfall, while other areas like Loni, Pishor, Chincholi, and Soygaon circles recorded significant rainfall as well. The continuous downpour has led to widespread flooding and damage across the region.
(With PTI inputs)