Naval teams deployed in rain-hit Thane district

Teams of the Indian Navy were on Sunday deployed in rain-battered Thane district neighbouring Mumbai in view of the prediction of heavy rains for Monday.

The teams of the Navy will quickly respond to any new emergencies that might arise overnight, they said.

Earlier in the day, at least 58 people, including 16 children, were rescued by an Indian Air Force chopper from Ju-Nandkhuri village in Thane district that was marooned by water.

Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Raigad districts have been receiving heavy rains since Friday night, triggering floods in many rivers.

The Met department has predicted heavy rains on Monday as well.

The Navy has deployed three fully-equipped flood rescue teams to assist rescue operations, if need be, in the wake of overflowing Bhatsa and Barvi dams in the district.

"Bhatsa and Ulhas rivers are also overflowing and the level of water has risen to 8-10 feet, a situation which requires specialist assistance in evacuation of people," he said.

Earlier in the day, two teams of the Navy successfully evacuated 27 persons from the vicinity of Khadawali village.

A flood rescue team of the Navy has been stationed in Shahad area under the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), he added.