62 killed in rain-related incidents in Maha since June: Patil

Maharashtra minister Chandrakant Patil today informed the state Legislative Assembly that 62 people have died so far in rain-related incidents in the state from June 1.

He said 63 animals also lost their lives in different parts of the state in rain-related incidents.

Patil, who is the state Revenue Minister, said the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted very heavy rains in Mumbai and neighbouring Thane and Palghar districts in the next few days and the administration is fully prepared to tackle any eventuality.

"The Mantralaya control-room and all the district-level machinery have been activated to monitor the rain situation. The State Disaster Relief Force, National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), Coast Guard, Army, the disaster management machinery of all civic bodies are vigilant," he said.

The NDRF rescued the passengers of Vadodara express and Shatabdi Express, which were stranded between Virarand Nallasopara due to water logging on tracks, he said.

"The local administration is making arrangements to ensure that the passengers reach their destinations," Patil told the lower house of the state legislature.

Similarly, 300 people from salt pan areas of Vasai, stuck in the flooded houses, were also rescued, the minister said.