Disaster Management Minister: Marathwada Faces Worst Floods in Decades

Maharashtra’s Marathwada region is reeling from an unprecedented deluge, described by state Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan as the most intense rainfall in over half a century. Speaking to reporters in the flood-ravaged Dharashiv district on Tuesday, Mahajan painted a grim picture of the devastation, with eight fatalities reported, hundreds of homes damaged, and critical infrastructure, including roads, severely impacted since September 20.

“This is a natural calamity. In the last 50, 60, or even 70 years, such rainfall has never been recorded in this region,” Mahajan stated. The relentless downpour has washed away fertile topsoil, submerged villages, and led to significant livestock losses, leaving agriculture and communities in tatters. “The situation is very grim. I do not have words to express the devastation,” he added, highlighting the long-term challenges farmers face as eroded soil threatens future cultivation.

The state administration has prioritized rescuing stranded residents and relocating them to safer areas while simultaneously conducting damage assessments. Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne reported that approximately 63.51 lakh acres of agricultural land across Maharashtra have been completely destroyed, underscoring the staggering scale of the crisis.

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Mahajan emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the long-term impacts, stating, “Farmers have not only lost standing crops, but with the fertile soil washed away, it will be very difficult for them to cultivate their lands in the next season.” The government is exploring relief measures to support affected communities and mitigate the enduring agricultural damage caused by this historic flooding event.

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