Mumbai, May 28 (UNI) Heavy pre-monsoon rains have wreaked havoc across Maharashtra in recent days, causing extensive damage to agriculture and property.
According to official reports on Wednesday, standing crops, vegetables, and orchards spanning approximately 35,000 hectares have been affected.
Additionally, numerous homes, cattle sheds, and warehouses have suffered severe damage.
Tragically, eight people have lost their lives and two others have been injured in incidents attributed to lightning strikes, drowning, house collapses, and falling trees.
The adverse weather has also resulted in the deaths of eight animals across the state.
Farmers have also said the ongoing rainfall has put a halt to pre-sowing activities, especially for cotton and soyabean.
Due to the development of a low pressure over the Arabian Sea, the state has been reporting incessant rains over the last 72-48 hours.
Authorities have assured that all affected families will receive financial assistance in accordance with the guidelines of the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has directed officials to conduct comprehensive surveys (panchnamas) of the damages, ensuring timely relief from the NDRF.
In anticipation of further emergencies, 18 teams of the National Disaster Response Force have been strategically deployed throughout Maharashtra.
Three teams are stationed in Mumbai, with additional units in Palghar, Nagpur, Pune, Raigad, Thane, Ratnagiri, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Sindhudurg.
The State Disaster Response Force has also mobilised six teams across various districts to support relief and rescue operations.
To enhance public safety, the state’s disaster management cell issued 52 early warnings regarding heavy rainfall and lightning via SMS alerts on May 26 and 27, reaching an estimated 192 million recipients over two days.

A 24-hour control room remains operational at the state ministry to monitor the evolving situation and coordinate response efforts.
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