According to the State Disaster Management Authority, the death toll in flood-ravaged Maharashtra shot up to 149 on Sunday, July 25, while another 64 are still missing.
Moreover, 36 additional dead bodies were found in Satara and Raigad districts as rescue operations gathered pace on Sunday, an official statement by the Maharashtra government revealed.
Several districts - primarily the Konkan region - received incessant rain over the past few days, leaving thousands stranded in floods and landslides. A total of 2,29,074 people have been evacuated from the affected districts in the Konkan region and western Maharashtra to safer places.
Meanwhile, as many as 60 deaths were alone reported in Raigad, 21 in Ratnagiri, 41 in Satara, 12 in Thane, seven in Kolhapur, four in suburban Mumbai, and two each in Sindhudurg and Pune.
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The Maharashtra government has announced a compensation of INR 5 lakhs each to the families of those killed. The injured will be treated in hospitals at government expense, the statement from Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's office said. In addition, the state CM Uddhav Thackeray announced financial aid of INR 50 lakhs each to Satara, Sangli, Pune, Kolhapur, Thane, and Sindhudurg districts.
Besides, Thackeray visited Chiplun, the site of severe flooding, and interacted with residents, businessmen and shopkeepers. He promised them all help from the state government to restore normalcy in the area.
“We are standing with you to ensure you get back up on your feet,” assured CM Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray while comforting the traders and shopkeepers in the Chiplun market. pic.twitter.com/rr6Mnn08Aq
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) July 25, 2021
“You have faced a major tragedy. Hence, right now, you just need to take care of yourself. Leave the rest to the Government. We will ensure that everyone is rehabilitated and compensated for their losses”, assured CM Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray to the people of Taliye Village. pic.twitter.com/FzxAYQld4n
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) July 24, 2021
Earlier, it was also reported that Chiplun and Khed in Ratnagiri remained completely inundated due to the discharge of water from the Koyna and Koltewadi dams that led to a rise in the water level of the Vashisti river.
Thousands were seen stranded on the roofs and upper floors of the houses as water levels rose to over 15-20 feet in many places. Phone connectivity is completely down and some areas are even without electricity.
Therefore, the Maharashtra government set up five relief camps in flood-hit Chiplun city in Ratnagiri district. Also, 25 teams of the NDRF, four teams of the SDRF, two teams of the Coast Guard, five teams of the Navy and three teams of the Army are conducting the relief and rescue operations.