Heavy to very heavy rain and thundershower activities are going over many parts of South Konkan and Goa and South Madhya Maharashtra. On July 23rd, Mahabaleshwar recorded 594 mm rain which is all-time 24-hour rain record. Kolhapur also received around 431 mm rain in last 3 days. Satara also recorded 172 mm rain in last 24 hours. Followed by Matheran 81 mm and Pune 92 mm.
Incidents of landslide reported from Raigad district and other areas resulted in loss of 138 lives. Satara, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri and Raigad districts of Maharashtra are worst affected. Many parts of Vidarbha and Maharashtra also witnessed heavy downpour and flash floods. Fortunately, rain activities have subsided over Mumbai and suburbs after July 19.
Reason for these torrential rains can be attributed to an Offshore trough which is extending from Gujarat coast to Kerala cost. A low-pressure area which was over northwest Bay of Bengal off north Andhra and South Odisha coast has also enhanced the monsoon search over West Coast. Low level westerlies are very strong over Maharashtra and Karnataka coast. The combined effect of these weather parameters has resulted in extremely heavy rain over south Konkan and Goa, south Madhya Maharashtra and Karnataka coast.
Since last few years extreme weather activities are on the rise over the country. Heavy torrential rains and widespread flooding has now become an annual affair for Konkan and Goa, coastal Karnataka, Kerala and South Madhya Maharashtra. Heavy downpour and unplanned development over Western Ghats will continue to claim lives. As well as widespread damage to property. Intensity and frequency of extreme weather events will rise further in coming years.
Now the low-pressure area has moved inland over interior parts of Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Therefore, the full effect of this weather system had reduced. Moreover, the offshore trough has also weakened. Now or rain activities will reduce significantly over West coast of the country by today afternoon. These Subdued rains will help in relief and rescue operations. We can say worst is over. There may be light rain with one or two moderator spells for next 24 hours. Heavy to very heavy rain is now ruled out.
