Torrential rains wreak havoc in Marathwada

Relief, rescue and rehabilitation efforts are under way across eight districts

- Kalpesh Mhamunkar

Torrential rains have disrupted normal life across six districts of Marathwada, damaging agriculture, homes and infrastructure.

Rivers and streams have changed their course, inundating farmland and residential areas. The Godavari and its tributaries, including the Kayadhu in Hingoli and the Manjara in Beed, Latur and Dharashiv, are in spate. Since June, 90 lives have been lost in rain and flood-related incidents, while crops in 2,857 villages have been damaged.

In the Beed district, 17 dams are full, and two are at 90% capacity. In Wadwani taluka, villages lost road connectivity, prompting the deployment of NDRF and Army teams. Since September, 2,567 families have been evacuated. Ten people have died; eight families have received compensation.