Maharashtra disaster cell sends 52 rain warnings to 192 million via SMS in 2 days

Maharashtra's disaster management has ramped up public safety by issuing 52 early warnings on heavy rains and lightning, reaching nearly 192 million people in just two days. This massive alert effort follows devastating floods, crop damage over 35,000 hectares, and multiple casualties, highlighting the state's urgent response to an escalating crisis.

Sources:

Updated 1h ago

Sources:

Maharashtra is grappling with severe pre-monsoon rains that have triggered widespread flooding, crop damage, and multiple rescue operations. The state's disaster management cell proactively issued 52 SMS warnings about heavy rainfall and lightning on May 26 and 27, reaching an estimated 192 million people to mitigate risks.

The relentless downpour has devastated agriculture, affecting approximately 35,000 hectares of standing crops, vegetables, and orchards, prompting calls from the Congress party for financial relief of Rs 20,000 per acre or Rs 50,000 per hectare to support farmers.

Rescue operations have been critical, with the army and police saving villagers trapped by rising waters in Ahmednagar district. Over 80 families have been evacuated, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 18 teams across vulnerable areas including Phaltan and Mumbai.

The situation remains dire, with Mumbai recording 135.4 mm of rainfall in 24 hours, causing incidents like short circuits and wall collapses. Tragically, the state has reported eight deaths and two injuries due to lightning strikes, drowning, house collapses, and falling trees.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged the administration to stay on high alert and conduct immediate damage assessments to manage the crisis effectively.

"The disaster cell's SMS alerts have been crucial in reaching millions swiftly," officials noted, emphasizing the importance of early warnings in disaster preparedness.

As Maharashtra faces ongoing heavy rains, coordinated efforts between government agencies, rescue teams, and community support remain vital to minimize loss and ensure public safety.

Sources:

Maharashtra's disaster management cell sent 52 SMS warnings about heavy rain and lightning to 192 million people over two days amid relentless pre-monsoon rains causing floods, crop damage, and evacuations. Rescue operations and NDRF deployments continue as the state faces severe weather impacts and fatalities.

The Headline

Disaster cell issues 52 SMS warnings; NDRF rescues 80+ families

I have directed the administration to remain on high alert and carry out immediate damage assessments.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis

Key Facts

Maharashtra disaster management cell issued 52 early warnings via SMS about heavy rainfall and lightning, reaching an estimated 192 million people over two days on May 26 and 27.1
18 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed strategically across Maharashtra to manage ongoing emergencies.1
Rescue operations have evacuated over 80 families, with NDRF deployed in critical zones such as Phaltan and Mumbai.
In Ahmednagar district, villagers trapped by rising waters were rescued through joint efforts of the army and police, underscoring the severity of the flood crisis.
Eight people died and two were injured due to incidents caused by lightning strikes, drowning, house collapses, and falling trees during the heavy rains.1

Key Stats at a Glance

Number of early warnings issued via SMS

52 warnings

Number of people reached by SMS warnings

192 million people

Number of NDRF teams deployed

18 teams

Number of families evacuated

80 families

Number of deaths due to rain-related incidents

8 people

Number of injured due to rain-related incidents

2 people

Background Context

Heavy rains damage crops, Mumbai floods, IMD raises alerts

Key Facts

Heavy pre-monsoon rains caused extensive damage to agriculture and property across Maharashtra, affecting approximately 35,000 hectares of standing crops, vegetables, and orchards.1
Mumbai recorded 135.4 mm of rainfall in 24 hours, resulting in multiple incidents of short circuits and wall collapses.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) escalated alert levels for Mumbai and its suburbs as rain continued from Sunday night into Monday.
The Congress party in Maharashtra demanded financial relief of Rs 20,000 per acre or Rs 50,000 per hectare for farmers affected by crop damage due to the rains.

Key Stats at a Glance

Area of crops damaged by heavy rains

35000 hectares

Rainfall recorded in Mumbai in 24 hours

135.4 mm

Financial relief demanded per acre

Rs 20,000 per acre

Financial relief demanded per hectare

Rs 50,000 per hectare

Maharashtra disaster cell sends 52 rain warnings to 192 million via SMS in 2 days

Disaster cell issues 52 SMS warnings; NDRF rescues 80+ families

Heavy rains damage crops, Mumbai floods, IMD raises alerts

Source Citations