Unseasonal Rains Claim 12 Lives Across North Maharashtra; Nashik Worst-Hit

Unseasonal rains have lashed North Maharashtra for the last ten days. So far, 12 people have died due to the rain. According to administrative sources, seven of these people died due to lightning. A proposal will be sent to the state government from the Collector’s office to provide government assistance to the heirs of the deceased. Out of these 12, the maximum number of victims—five—have been reported in Nashik district.

Nashik revenue division includes five districts: Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Dhule, Jalgaon and Nandurbar. Unseasonal rains have affected most of these districts over the past one and a half weeks. Crops have been severely damaged due to strong winds, thunder and lightning. Grape and pomegranate orchards have been badly affected in Ahilyanagar and Jalgaon districts. The final report on the damage is yet to be received. Although farmers have suffered huge financial losses due to crop damage, the death of some citizens has brought grief to their families.

A total of 12 people have lost their lives across the five districts due to this rain. Of these, seven died due to falling trees, house roof collapses and lightning strikes. Two each in Nashik and Nandurbar died due to lightning. The highest number of deaths in the division has been reported from Nashik district, with five fatalities. Apart from this, three deaths were reported in Ahilyanagar, two in Nandurbar and one each in Jalgaon and Dhule districts.

The names of the deceased are: Pooja Bhangre (Igatpuri), Vikas Barde, Ramdas Sahane (Sinnar), Samyak Bhosale and Gaurav Report (Nashik city), Ganesh Kale (Nevasa), Shivaji Waghchoure (Akole), Aarti Lahare (Karjat), Ramesh Pawar and Tushar Valvi (Shahada), Ravindra Deore (Dondaicha), and Sharad Bhil (Erandol).

In addition to the fatalities, several people have also been injured. Lightning has damaged livestock, while houses, cowsheds, poultry farms and other properties have been severely affected. The Revenue Department has started proceedings as per the rules to provide assistance to the heirs of the deceased.

103.3 mm of rain has been recorded in Nashik as of May 19. Unseasonal rainfall has occurred since May 7. The highest rainfall of 33.8 mm was recorded on May 10.

District-wise deaths

Nashik – 05

Ahilyanagar – 03

Nandurbar – 02

Dhule – 01

Jalgaon – 01