As gushing water forces evacuation of thousands in Vasai-Virar, DNA lensman Aadesh Pokhare captures the mayhem
The National Disaster Response Force personnel launched rescue operations in Vasai taluka in Palghar district that received 240 mm rainfall in 24 hours.
Thousands of people are stranded in various spots in the area as water level rose due to torrential downpour coupled with high tide. The sea-like situation brought back the memories July 26, 2005 when Mumbai and nearby areas went under water after over 900 mm rainfall.
“NDRF team reached Manikpur village, district Palghar, Maharashtra where Water level has risen in village and many villagers are reported to be stranded,” tweeted the disaster relief force.
The Palghar district administration, Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation, political parties and various non government organisations joined hands to provide a much needed relief to a large number of people stranded in various areas.
They roped in boats, buses and tempos to transport commuters stranded on trains and marooned spots. Bahujan Vikas Aghadi, which rules the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation, started temporary kitchens to provide meals to over 5,000 people.
VVMC mayor Rupesh Jadhav said they extensively used social media to send out timely messages to help those stranded.
Palghar collector Prashant Narnaware said the Vadodara express was stuck between Virar and Nallasopara due to flooded tracks. He said the passengers were being evacuated. Narnaware said they will use local college and other establishments as temporary shelters. He said water level was expected to recede by Tuesday evening.
A team of NDRF and Western Railway distributed over 16,300 food packets to passengers stranded on 23 trains between Vasai and Surat.
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Ambadi Road in Vasai became impassable for vehicles on Tuesday, leaving hundreds with no option but to wade through waist-deep water - Aadesh Pokhare/DNA Photo
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Fear is palpable on the child’s face as VVMC fire brigade personnel rescue a family in Mithagar village - Aadesh Pokhare/DNA Photo
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The scene at Vasai-Gass road was no different from above. Crossing the flooded thoroughfare amid heavy rains was hell of a task, said an office-goer - Aadesh Pokhare/DNA Photo
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This banned plastic seems their only hope as torrential rains and high tide bring water in alarming levels to Mithagar village - Aadesh Pokhare/DNA Photo
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Authorities pressed several boats into action as part of their rescue mission. It was a race against time, with several major roads turning into rivers - Aadesh Pokhare/DNA Photo
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Vasai Road station bears a deserted look after services are disrupted due to flooded tracks - Aadesh Pokhare/DNA Photo
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In neck-deep water, he barely manages to keep his head and one hand above - Aadesh Pokhare/DNA Photo
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A log comes handy for a man who tries to ferry two children to safety at a submerged traffic junction on Ambadi Road - Aadesh Pokhare/DNA Photo
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Political parties and civic administration arranged meals for over 5,000 stranded residents
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This rail stretch between Vasai-Nalasopara sums up the deluge that gripped the entire area - Aadesh Pokhare/DNA Photo
