The incessant rain since Sunday led to a flood-like situation in Nashik city and district, with two major rivers — Godavari and Kadwa — touching the danger line for the first time. All eight dams in the district have been opened and an alert has been sounded for villages along the banks of the river. The district administration is geared up to shift people in case of an eventuality.
According to the data compiled by the rainfall recording and analysis wing of the state agriculture department, Palghar district received maximum rainfall (700% more than the average) in the state since Monday, followed by Raigad (486% more than the average) and Nashik (433% more). Washim received 336% more than the average, while Akola got 246% more, states the data.
All roads in Nashik district have been flooded, forcing the district administration to announce a two-day holiday for all educational institutions. Citizens have been urged not to step out.
At Holkar bridge in Nashik city, the water flow was 23,000 cusec in the evening. Most of the temples and stalls along Godavari are submerged. Kadwa river was seen overflowing last in 2005, citizens said.
The road and rail connectivity, too, were hit. Minor landslides were reported at Kasara Ghat, which is the main connecting route between Mumbai and Nashik. Manmad, a major railway junction in Nashik district, too, was out of bounds.
According to the Nashik control room, eight dams in the district were filled to 80% of their capacity, forcing irrigation officials to open all the doors.
An NDRF team, comprising 40 jawans and five boats, left for Nashik from Pune, as part of the precautionary measures.
The level of Koyna dam in Satara district has increased by four feet in the past 24 hours. Koyna officials said the dam has added almost four TMC water in a single day.
(Sourced from agencies, Feature image courtesy:oneindia.com)
