The Palghar district administration in Maharashtra on Saturday appealed to citizens to stay indoors and refrain from venturing into flood-affected spots, as the region continues to receive heavy rains, reported news agency PTI.
Collector Indu Rani Jakhar, who also heads the District Disaster Management Authority, said in a release that the India Meteorological Department has issued an `orange` alert, predicting very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several parts of the district over the next two days, reported PTI.
She warned residents against crossing swollen rivers, canals, and bridges that are either submerged or have dangerously fast-flowing water beneath them.
“Even if students feel compelled to go to school, they should do so only via safe and established routes. If that is not possible, they should stay back and inform the authorities concerned,” the advisory said, reported PTI.
With water levels expected to rise further over the next 48 hours, rescue teams and disaster response units have been kept on high alert, it said.
Heavy rain likely in Thane, Palghar, Raigad; yellow alert issued for Mumbai till July 7
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai, on Saturday issued a nowcast warning at 1:10 PM IST, forecasting moderate spells of rain in several districts of Maharashtra over the next 3 to 4 hours. According to the IMD, isolated places in Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Dhule, Nandurbar, and the ghat regions of Pune, Satara, and Nashik are likely to witness intermittent showers.
The weather bureau has also extended a yellow alert for Mumbai till July 7, cautioning of heavy rainfall at isolated spots in the city and suburbs. This alert signifies the possibility of adverse weather conditions and urges residents to remain vigilant, especially in low-lying areas prone to waterlogging.
Mumbai, which has been experiencing steady monsoon showers over the past few days, is likely to continue receiving moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by cloudy skies and gusty winds. Saturday`s maximum temperature is expected to hover around 32 degrees Celsius, with minimum temperatures around 27 degrees Celsius.
On Sunday, July 6, the city is forecast to receive heavy morning showers, with occasional thunder, while July 7 will likely see intermittent rain and considerable cloudiness.
(With inputs from PTI)
