Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has issued a high-alert warning for Nashik and Trimbakeshwar as the weather agency is forecasting extremely heavy rainfall and a significant cloudburst on Tuesday, July 8. With weather agencies predicting up to 300 mm of rainfall in a day, the state government has increased emergency preparedness and told residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
Fadnavis told the media today that Nashik is the most critical area to be monitored and weather models indicate the possibility of an intense cloudburst between Nashik and Trimbakeshwar. Such an event might lead to flash floods, waterlogging, and other emergency situations in large parts of the district, he added.
"Tomorrow, the most important alert is for Nashik. There is a possibility of a cloudburst in the area between Nashik and Trimbakeshwar. It could be a major cloudburst, with nearly 300 mm of rainfall expected in a single day. Large parts of Nashik district could be affected," the Chief Minister said.
Fadnavis said that throughout this time state administration has studied emergency scenarios and has put disaster management teams on standby if the situation becomes bad. Rescue personnel, police, and local authorities are on standby for any eventuality, he said.
The state minister Girish Mahajan also asked residents to be careful as very heavy rainfall is expected from 1 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Tuesday.
"We have taken all necessary precautions, and all officials and staff are on high alert,” Mahajan said.
As a preventive measure, the government has suspended darshan at the Trimbakeshwar Temple for the day. Schools and colleges in the affected areas will also be closed for the safety of students and staff.
Mahajan told people to stop unnecessary travel and stay indoors.
"Police have been deployed everywhere. We have suspended darshan at the Trimbakeshwar Temple for tomorrow. Schools and colleges will also remain closed. We have appealed to everyone not to step out of their homes unless absolutely necessary," he added.
Nashik District Magistrate Ayush Prasad said authorities have already deployed police personnel to vulnerable areas and moved people away from areas regarded as under threat.
"Very heavy rainfall is happening in various parts of Nashik district. Police arrangements have been made everywhere. Wherever a potential risk to anyone was identified, they have been relocated," Prasad said.
The district administration is closely monitoring river levels, low-lying areas, and landslide-prone areas and working with disaster response agencies to ensure timely evacuation in case of disaster.
The warning comes as parts of Maharashtra are experiencing severe monsoon activity. Residents living in flood-prone areas, in particular those living close to rivers and streams, should be informed of such problems by official weather bulletins and follow official advice from the local authorities, the state says.
The state government has advised citizens to stay alert for rain and flash flooding, and to avoid unnecessary movement until the weather conditions improve and emergency services should be notified.
