Mumbai | September 26, 2025
Maharashtra floods is facing one of its worst flood situations in recent years. Heavy rains across the state have left a trail of destruction — washing away crops, damaging homes, disrupting lives, and forcing thousands of people to move to safer places. In just two days, at least eight people have lost their lives, while farmers across more than 30 districts are staring at devastation.
As floodwaters continue to rise in Marathwada, Vidarbha, and parts of western Maharashtra, political tensions have also surfaced. Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has advised the ruling party leaders not to turn flood-hit zones into photo-op destinations, warning that their visits could delay actual relief work.
Pawar’s Veiled Advice: ‘Stop the VIP Visits’
Sharad Pawar, who has handled multiple crises during his political career, posted a sharp message on X (formerly Twitter). Without naming anyone, he cautioned ministers and MLAs against frequent visits to flood-hit villages.
“Due to the huge influx of visits by ministers and public representatives, the attention of government agencies has shifted to completing protocol instead of conducting damage assessments and disaster relief work. This risks delaying Panchnamas and stalling relief,” Pawar wrote.
He also reminded leaders of how he managed the 1993 Latur earthquake as Chief Minister. At that time, Pawar had restricted VIP visits — even requesting the then Prime Minister to stay away — so that officials could focus on relief without being burdened by protocol.
This time, too, Pawar has asked the government to bring in extra manpower from nearby districts to complete crop-loss assessments quickly and begin compensation.
Flood Situation Across Maharashtra
The scale of destruction is massive:
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Over 30 districts affected by heavy rainfall and floods.
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Crops on 69.95 lakh acres damaged, according to preliminary reports.
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Key districts hit: Beed, Dharashiv, Nanded, Solapur, Yavatmal, Ahilyanagar, Buldhana, Sambhajinagar, and Washim.
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Crops lost: onion, soybean, cotton, and jowar — staples that sustain millions of farmers.
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Above-average rainfall: Since June 1, Maharashtra has received 996.7 mm rainfall — 103% higher than normal.
In districts like Nanded (18.20 lakh acres), Solapur (9.95 lakh acres), Yavatmal (8.56 lakh acres), and Dharashiv (8.29 lakh acres), standing crops have been destroyed, leaving farmers helpless.
For villages already struggling with debt and poor harvests, this flood has come as a knockout punch.
Government Announces Relief Package
Amid rising pressure, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a ₹2,215 crore relief package for around 31.64 lakh affected farmers. Out of this, ₹1,829 crore has already been allocated to districts. Officials say the money will reach farmers’ bank accounts within 8–10 days.
“Immediate assistance is being provided as soon as Panchnamas are completed,” Fadnavis assured. “District Collectors have been empowered to disburse aid directly for deaths, livestock loss, and property damage. Relief work has not stopped anywhere.”
He also confirmed that the state has already started work without waiting for central funds. “The Centre will not fall short in providing support, but Maharashtra is not waiting for anyone,” the CM added.
Rescue Efforts in Full Swing
To manage the crisis, the government has deployed 17 teams of NDRF and SDRF in the worst-hit regions. Helicopters have been used for rescue missions, and at least 320 people, including a newborn and its mother, have been rescued in the last 24 hours.
Highlights from the ground:
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In Beed, NDRF teams pulled out dozens of villagers stranded in waist-deep waters.
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In Dharashiv, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Omraje Nimbalkar joined forces with NDRF personnel to rescue a family of four, including a two-year-old child and an elderly woman.
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In Paranda village, officials said over 100 mm rainfall fell within 48 hours, forcing authorities to release water from dams to prevent breaches.
Temporary shelters with food, clean drinking water, and medical facilities have been set up in multiple districts.
Political Blame Game Over Floods
While officials are battling on the ground, political battles are heating up in Mumbai. The Congress party has announced statewide protests on October 3, demanding that the government declare a “wet drought” and provide bigger compensation.
Congress state president Harshavardhan Sapkal slammed CM Fadnavis for traveling to Delhi to discuss a mining project in Gadchiroli even as farmers suffer.
“This is shameless. He should only return if he secures a bigger relief package for farmers,” Sapkal said.
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar demanded compensation at the rate of ₹50,000 per hectare, citing earlier government resolutions. He also criticized the current crop insurance scheme, calling it ineffective.
Heavy Rain Warnings Ahead
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of more heavy rainfall between September 27–28. Authorities have started releasing excess water from dams in Beed and Ahilyanagar to prevent further flooding.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde admitted the situation is serious. “Farmers have lost their crops, homes have collapsed, and the damage is extensive. But the administration is on full alert,” he said.
Stories of Grit and Survival
Amid the gloom, stories of courage and humanity have emerged:
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In Majalgaon, Beed, an NDRF team waded through deep water to rescue a newborn and its mother.
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In Vadner village, a joint effort by villagers and NDRF saved an elderly woman and a toddler trapped in a flooded house.
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Local volunteers across villages are cooking food, arranging shelter, and helping the stranded — even before official aid reaches them.
Such acts are keeping morale alive in flood-hit areas.