In a dramatic operation, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Indian defence units successfully rescued 53 stranded residents from flood-hit villages in Maharashtra’s Dharashiv district, where unprecedented rainfall has inundated communities. The relentless downpours, unusual for the typically arid Marathwada region, have triggered widespread flooding, claiming lives and devastating livelihoods across the district.

In Wangegavhan village, located approximately 90 km from Dharashiv’s district headquarters in Paranda taluka, rescue teams evacuated 33 residents trapped by rising waters. The operation employed a combination of advanced resources: a helicopter airlifted five individuals to safety, while boats were used to ferry 28 others from their inundated homes to secure locations. The coordinated effort showcased the efficiency and preparedness of the response teams in navigating challenging conditions.

In Mungshi village, an Army unit rescued 20 additional stranded individuals, further demonstrating the scale of the crisis and the military’s critical role in disaster response. The flooding, which has marooned entire villages, damaged homes, and destroyed crops across more than 30,000 hectares, has claimed at least eight lives in Marathwada, underscoring the severity of the calamity in this central Maharashtra region comprising eight districts.

Also Read: Kangana Ranaut Confronted by Angry Crowd in Flood-Hit Manali Visit

To address the immediate needs of the affected population, the district administration has initiated relief measures, including the deployment of tankers to supply drinking water to flood-hit areas. Additionally, a health camp has been established in Devgaon Khurd to provide medical support to those impacted, ensuring that basic necessities and healthcare reach the most vulnerable in the wake of the disaster.

The torrential rains, a stark departure from Marathwada’s usual drought-prone climate, have exposed the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events. As rescue operations continue and relief efforts ramp up, the focus remains on safeguarding lives and restoring normalcy in Dharashiv and surrounding areas, with authorities bracing for further challenges as the region grapples with the aftermath of this unprecedented deluge.

Also Read: Nanded Floods After Dam Overflow, 6 People Rescued Including 2 Elderly