Maharashtra CM, Deputies Rush to Flood-Ravaged Marathwada

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, will lead a high-level delegation to the flood-stricken Marathwada region on Wednesday to assess the widespread devastation caused by relentless rains. The torrential downpours, battering the region over the past week, have claimed eight lives, destroyed homes, and obliterated crops across multiple districts, leaving communities reeling.

The districts of Latur, Dharashiv, Beed, and Parbhani have borne the brunt of the heavy rainfall, with reports of severe waterlogging, particularly in Parbhani’s Pathri area, where floodwaters inundated streets overnight. Swollen dams across Marathwada, filled beyond capacity due to the unprecedented deluge, are continuously releasing water, exacerbating the crisis. In Dharashiv alone, crops spanning over 33,010 hectares have been wiped out, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of farmers in this agrarian heartland.

Chief Minister Fadnavis is slated to tour Latur to meet affected residents and evaluate the damage firsthand. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar will visit Dharashiv and Beed, focusing on relief measures and infrastructure assessments. Meanwhile, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, accompanied by Health Minister Prakash Abitkar and Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, will inspect flood-hit areas in Dharashiv, prioritizing aid distribution and medical support for displaced families.

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Environment Minister Pankaja Munde and Agriculture Minister Dattaray Bharne will head to Jalna, where they will engage directly with farmers to document crop losses and discuss immediate relief packages. The ministers aim to gauge the extent of agricultural damage and explore long-term rehabilitation strategies to support the region’s recovery.

The floods have not only disrupted daily life but also highlighted the vulnerability of Marathwada’s infrastructure to extreme weather events. Local officials report that roads, bridges, and irrigation systems have been severely damaged, complicating rescue and relief efforts. The state government has pledged swift action, with Fadnavis assuring affected communities that emergency funds and resources will be mobilized to address the crisis.

As Marathwada grapples with the aftermath, the high-profile visits signal a concerted effort by Maharashtra’s leadership to restore normalcy and provide relief. However, with more rains forecast, the region remains on edge, and residents are bracing for further challenges. The delegation’s findings will likely shape the state’s response to this disaster and its approach to future climate resilience.

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