In a weather update that spells concern for Maharashtra's Vidarbha region, officials from the Regional Meteorological Centre, Nagpur have issued warnings of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and heavy rainfall over the next four days. The districts of Nagpur, Wardha, Buldhana, Gondia are under a 'yellow' alert for the next four days, while Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, and Amravati have a 'yellow' alert for the next three days. Additionally, Yavatmal, Buldhana, Akola, and Washim have a 'yellow' alert for two days, according to PTI.
However, there is heightened worry for Chandrapur, Gadchiolri, and Yavatmal as they have been issued an 'orange' alert for Friday, indicating a higher risk of severe weather conditions in these areas.
The heavy rains have already taken a toll on the region's dams, and authorities have been forced to take preventive measures. In Chandrapur district, three gates of the Irai Dam had to be opened due to incessant rainfall. Unfortunately, this led to the flooding of Arwat village and surrounding areas near the Wardha river. The disaster management team had to intervene promptly, and thankfully, they successfully rescued 38 individuals from the affected regions.
Buldhana and Yavatmal districts have also experienced partial opening of gates in the Hanuman Sagar Dam and Bembla Dam, respectively. These releases resulted in rising water levels in the Vaan river and nearby villages in Buldhana, and ten gates being opened partially at the Bembla Dam in Yavatmal. Residents in the vicinity of these dams have been placed on high alert due to the potential risk of flooding.
