Marooned Palghar district put on high alert for two days

MUMBAI: Palghar has been put on high alert for the next two days as various talukas in the district have been marooned under water following incessant rainfall since Sunday.
District collector Dr Prashant Narnaware said the district received an average rainfall of 220.4mm between Sunday night and Monday morning. Talasari recorded 321.1mm rainfall on Monday followed by Dahanu at 285.6mm. Palghar recorded 280.3mm rainfall on Monday. In the 24 hours from 8.30am on Sunday, Dahanu recorded 298.6mm and Palghar 340mm. In June, the district received 418.2mm rain, which is near normal for the month.
Several areas were flooded with water entering homes and shops. Waterlogging was reported in Palghar sessions court and documents stored in the ground floor were destroyed in the downpour.
Waterlogging on the tracks at Palghar crippled long-distance trains. A number of trains were cancelled, rescheduled or terminated at various stations. Between 4am and 5am on Monday, Palghar recorded 100mm rainfall.
Around 28 villages surrounding Surya river in Palghar have been put on alert with water levels rising. Narnaware said the irrigation department has been instructed to issue an alert in case Surya dam is opened to let out water. All district level officers have been asked to maintain a vigil. Officials have been told to put up warning signposts at tourist spots.
Some 16 mobile pumps were pressed into service by Vasai -Virar Municipal Corporation.