Nagpur: India Meteorological Department had predicted rainfall across several parts of the state over the past three days, and the forecast has now come true. Many districts in Maharashtra, including Beed, Jalna, Satara, Sangli, Pune, Solapur, Dhule, Washim, Sindhudurg, and Nagpur, have received unexpected rain.
This sudden change in weather has come at a difficult time, as farmers are currently harvesting rabi crops. The unseasonal rain and hailstorms have caused damage to standing crops and orchards, increasing the worries of farmers.
Heavy Rain in Beed, Orange Alert Issued
Beed city and nearby areas experienced heavy rain along with thunder and lightning for nearly an hour. The weather department has issued an orange alert for the district. Roads were flooded in many parts of the city, and people were seen using umbrellas and raincoats due to the sudden downpour. Officials described the rainfall in some areas as cloudburst-like. While the rain brought down temperatures, it caused major losses to farmers.
Hailstorm Hits Georai Taluka
Several villages in Georai taluka, including Lukamsala, Bhatepuri, Rohital, and Talwada, were hit by hailstorms. Crops like bajra, which were ready for harvest, have been damaged.
Stormy Rain in Satara
In Satara’s Karad taluka, areas like Undale saw strong winds, thunder, and hail. The sudden weather change created panic among residents. Crops like mango and jowar have likely suffered damage. On the Satara-Pune highway near Khandala-Pargaon, strong winds uprooted a tree that fell on a parked two-wheeler. No injuries were reported.
Sangli Sees Crop Damage
Heavy rain and earlier hailstorms in Atpadi taluka’s Gharniki village caused severe damage to agriculture. Pomegranate orchards, wheat, and gram crops have been badly affected. Farmers are now hoping for government help.
Rain Continues in Dharashiv and Dhule
Dharashiv district witnessed rain with lightning and gusty winds in Kalamb and Vashi areas. In Dhule, Sakri taluka experienced another spell of unseasonal rain, the second in just three days. Farmers, already hit by recent hailstorms, fear further losses. In Shindkheda taluka too, crops have been badly affected, leaving farmers in financial distress.
Showers in Washim
Parts of Washim district, including Malegaon, Shirpur, and Risod, received rain with strong winds and lightning. Crops like onion seeds and harvested turmeric may face damage.
Nagpur Also Receives Rain
Nagpur city and surrounding areas also witnessed sudden rainfall with thunder and gusty winds. The showers brought relief from the heat, but also raised concerns about possible damage to crops in nearby rural regions.
Overall, while the rain has cooled temperatures across the state, it has created serious challenges for farmers. Many are now demanding immediate surveys and compensation from the government for their losses.
