Monsoon – Maharashtra Faces Fatal Flooding, Landslides and Major Travel Disruptions
Monsoon – Maharashtra is dealing with widespread disruption after intense monsoon rain caused flooding, building collapses, landslides and transport delays across several districts. The India Meteorological Department has issued red alerts for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, warning that heavy rainfall may continue through Tuesday.
Deaths Reported After Building Collapse and Tree Falls
At least six people, including a woman and five children, died after a three-storey residential structure collapsed in Mumbai’s Mankhurd area. One person was reported to be in critical condition following the incident. Separate incidents involving fallen tree branches in Kurla and Goregaon claimed two additional lives.
Heavy rain and storm-related incidents were also reported in Navi Mumbai and Panvel, where four people died. In Satara district, a boulder fell onto a car travelling through Tathawade Ghat on the Phaltan-Pusegaon road. The driver, Yogesh Popat Jagtap of Baramati, died after the vehicle lost control.
Landslides Shut Key Mumbai Road Corridors
Several major routes connecting Mumbai with other parts of Maharashtra have been affected by landslides, flooding and debris. Traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the old Mumbai-Pune Highway was halted after rain-triggered damage and slope failures in the Lonavala region.
A concrete slab reportedly collapsed near the entry point of the recently opened Mumbai-Pune Missing Link, sending mud and debris onto the roadway. Police stopped vehicles at the Urse toll plaza as authorities assessed the damage and cleared affected sections.
The Mumbai-Goa Highway was blocked at multiple locations, including Chiplun Khavati and Sukeli Khind in Raigad district. The Pen-Khopoli route was submerged in places, while the Mangaon-Pali route and the Mangaon-Pune Tamhini Ghat road also faced restrictions. Near Parshuram Ghat, loose soil and boulders were reported sliding toward the road, leaving many travellers stranded for long hours.
Local Train Services Run Behind Schedule
Mumbai’s suburban rail system faced significant delays on Monday morning as water accumulated on tracks in low-lying areas. Sections near Vasai, Nalasopara and Vikhroli were among the worst affected.
At Nalasopara station, water covered all four railway lines, forcing trains to move at reduced speeds. Western Railway services were delayed by around 20 to 25 minutes, while Central Railway trains ran 15 to 20 minutes late. Harbour Line services also reported delays.
A separate landslide in the Thakurwadi area disrupted rail connectivity between Pune and Mumbai. Boulders on tracks between Karjat and Lonavala led to cancellations and diversions of several long-distance trains.
Flooding Raises Concern in Raigad District
Rising river levels have added to the pressure on local authorities in Raigad. The Savitri River crossed its danger mark, flooding parts of Mahad city and nearby agricultural land. The Patalganga and Bhogavati rivers also overflowed, affecting Khopoli and surrounding areas.
Commercial establishments near the expressway in Khopoli were reported to be waterlogged as rain continued across the district. Emergency teams and road agencies have been deployed to monitor vulnerable areas and restore access where conditions allow.
Schools Closed as Weather Warnings Remain Active
Schools in Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai and other affected districts have been closed as a precaution. The IMD has also issued an orange alert for Nashik, particularly for ghat areas. Districts in Vidarbha, including Akola, Amravati, Bhandara, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli, are expected to receive heavy rain along with thunderstorms and lightning.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said railway teams had been directed to work together to restore safe services in landslide-hit sections. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed condolences over the Mankhurd collapse and announced Rs 5 lakh compensation for the families of those killed.
Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar called for rescue and relief work to continue on priority. Authorities have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel and remain indoors where possible until weather conditions improve