24-05-2025
Intense showers lash Latur dist, alert for villages on river banks
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Latur district is experiencing flood-like conditions after nine days of continuous unseasonal thunderstorms, intensified by heavy rainfall over the last three days.
Rivers and streams across the district are now brimming to capacity, signalling a premature onset of monsoon-like weather in May.
The district recorded 157mm of rainfall between May 5 and May 23. This unprecedented showers, coupled with lightning and stormy winds, has led to considerable damage and tragic losses. In the past two weeks, 95 livestock have been reported dead, and there have been three human casualties.
The farming community too has suffered substantial losses.
Latur district collector Varsha Thakur-Ghuge said, "We are witnessing unprecedented pre-monsoon rainfall with thunder and gusty winds for this time of year, which is due to the low-pressure area developed in the Arabian Sea. The administration is taking all necessary measures to mitigate its impact." She added that teams are on high alert and contingency plans are in place for timely evacuation and relief operations if required.
She also appealed to the citizens, especially those residing in low-lying and riverside villages, to cooperate with local authorities and prioritize their safety.
The incessant rainfall has led to swelling of Manjara river, its tributary Rena, and Terna and Tawarja rivers. This prompted the authorities to issue alerts to villages located along their banks. The district disaster management department was put on high alert as further rainfall could lead to a full-blown flood situation.
To tackle potential emergencies, six search and rescue teams were deployed, with an additional team stationed at Renapur.
Each team comprised 10 personnel equipped with boats, 150 life jackets, 150 life rings, rescue ropes, stretchers, lighting, floating equipment, and other essential gear.
"The district administration is fully prepared to tackle any emergency arising from the ongoing unseasonal rains. We are continuously monitoring water levels and have deployed search and rescue teams in vulnerable areas," Latur's district disaster management officer Dr. Saqueb Osmani said.
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