A Yellow Alert for heavy rainfall has been issued for several districts in Maharashtra, including Konkan, Goa, Vidarbha, and Marathwada, for August 14th. The administration has appealed to people to remain vigilant due to the possibility of winds at 30-40 kmph, lightning strikes, and landslides.
Rain Alert: The monsoon has once again gained full momentum in Maharashtra, and the downpour from the sky has increased the concern of the administration and the people. According to the latest forecast from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), there is a high probability of heavy rainfall in many areas of Konkan, Goa, and Vidarbha on August 14th. In addition, heavy rain, thunderstorms, and b winds have been warned in various districts of Marathwada.
Increased Vigilance Due to Yellow Alert
The Meteorological Department has issued a Yellow Alert for these areas, advising citizens to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The department says that winds can blow at a speed of 30-40 kilometers per hour during the rain, which can cause problems such as falling trees, broken power lines, and waterlogging.
Which Districts Will Receive Heavy Rainfall?
According to the Meteorological Department, there is a possibility of heavy rainfall in Mumbai, Thane, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Raigad, Kolhapur (Ghat region), Satara (Ghat region), Pune (Ghat region), Jalna, Beed, Akola, Buldhana, Gadchiroli, Latur, Wardha, and Washim districts today. There is also a possibility of lightning and b winds in these areas.
In addition, Palghar, Nashik, Jalgaon, Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar), Pune city, Solapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), Parbhani, Hingoli, Nanded, and Dharashiv (formerly Osmanabad) districts may experience light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning.
Risk of Lightning Strikes
The Meteorological Department has predicted the possibility of lightning strikes in the Bhandara and Gondia districts of Vidarbha. The rural and farming communities in these districts have been advised to be especially vigilant, as the risk of lightning strikes increases when working in fields or staying in the open.
Impact of Rain and Preparedness of the Administration
Waterlogging is already occurring in low-lying areas in many parts of the state. Municipal corporations in Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad have been instructed to make special arrangements for drainage. Disaster management teams, the fire department, and health services have also been placed on high alert.
The Meteorological Department has warned that the risk of landslides may also increase in hilly and ghat areas, especially in the ghat areas of Kolhapur, Satara, and Pune. People have been advised to avoid going to tourist places and waterfalls.
Essential Suggestions for Citizens
- Check the weather forecast before leaving home.
- Avoid waterlogging in low-lying areas and go to a safe place.
- Do not stand under trees or in open spaces during times when lightning is likely.
- Contact the administration or disaster management helpline in case of any emergency.
Warning for Farmers
There is a possibility of damage to crops due to heavy rain and winds. The agriculture department has advised farmers to take timely drainage measures to protect crops and to make a field work plan according to the weather.
