Torrential rains have unleashed havoc in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, with a 19-year-old from Kodpe village in Gadchiroli district swept away by an overflowing stream on Monday. The district administration reported that the young man was attempting to cross the flooded stream in Bhamragadh taluka when he was carried away by the raging waters. A search operation is underway, but challenging conditions are hampering efforts to locate the missing youth, officials said on Tuesday.

The deluge has also crippled transportation across Gadchiroli, with two national highways, one state highway, and five other roads shut due to severe flooding. The district disaster management office confirmed that the closures have disrupted connectivity, stranding commuters and affecting local businesses. The Regional Meteorological Centre in Nagpur has issued an ‘orange’ alert for Gadchiroli and a ‘yellow’ alert for Nagpur, Wardha, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur, Amravati, Akola, Yavatmal, Buldhana, and Washim districts, forecasting continued rainfall through Wednesday.

The heavy downpour has raised concerns about further flooding and infrastructure damage in Vidarbha, a region already grappling with the monsoon’s intensity. The meteorological department predicts light to moderate rainfall at isolated places across multiple districts, including Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, and Amravati, with lighter showers expected in Yavatmal, Washim, and Buldhana. Authorities are urging residents to avoid waterlogged areas and stay vigilant.

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Local officials are mobilizing resources to manage the crisis, with disaster response teams on high alert. The closure of major highways has prompted calls for immediate relief measures, as villages risk being cut off from essential supplies. The incident in Kodpe village has underscored the dangers of navigating swollen streams during the monsoon, prompting warnings from authorities to exercise caution.

As Vidarbha braces for more rain, the focus remains on rescuing the missing youth and restoring normalcy. Community leaders are pressing for improved drainage systems and flood preparedness, citing recurring monsoon disruptions. With the weather department warning of persistent showers, residents and officials alike are preparing for a challenging few days ahead.

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