Incessant rains over past 48 hours trapped nearly 70 people in low-lying areas of villages for hours in the Vasai-Virar belt on Tuesday, prompting authorities to press rescuers and use boats to move the affected persons to safety. The authorities also closed several flooded roads to avoid accidents even as scores of villagers scrambled to reach safer spots. Two people, including a 10-year-old boy, drowned in separate incidents in Dahanu and Palghar.
How much was the rainfall
Vasai-Virar region received 133mm rainfall while maximum downpour was reported at Wada with 272mm rainfall. Vikramgad and Palghar saw 282mm and 165mm of rains respectively. The dams in region too reached 100 per cent mark. The Bhatane bridge, which connects to 12 villages, went completely underwater. Usgaon, Khanivade and the main road towards Panchvati bridge too were submerged.
What was the scale of rescue?
Bharat Gupta, chairman, Vasai-Virar fire brigade department, said they sent a team of 50 officials equipped with inflatable dinghies. He said, "Our team brought the affected people to the higher areas. High tides led the creek water enter the villages, which were submerged 10 feet under water." He said officials closed the Maswan Bridge, which connects to 25 villages and Palghar.
What complicated matter?
According to locals, the Vasai-virar belt is seeing rampant illegal construction along the creek. They say unscrupulous developers are systematically eliminating mangrove patches and grabbing salt panes. Villagers say the illegal work is blocking natural channels that carry creek water during heavy rains. "If try to take away all the space near the creek, flooding is bound to happen," said a Palghar resident.
Any effect on rail routes?
Heavy rains in the region as well as in many parts of Gujarat severely affected the Mumbai-Ahmedabad line. According to Western Railway officials, several stretches between Dahanu and Surat saw track problems due to the rains. It started around 1am early Tuesday morning. Speaking to DNA, Western Railway Divisional Railway Manager Shailendra Kumar said that almost all trains on the route were running behind schedule between one and three hours.
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