Heavy Rains Batter Thane And Palghar As Landslide Hits Malshej Ghat

Heavy monsoon rains lashed Thane and Palghar districts over the last 24 hours, triggering a minor landslide at the scenic Malshej Ghat , causing waterlogging and traffic disruptions in parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, while prompting weather alerts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The landslide occurred on Tuesday evening along the important Malshej Ghat route connecting Thane and Pune districts. According to officials, debris fell on the roadway between the "wash point" and "umbrella point" between 6 pm and 7 pm. District disaster management teams quickly deployed earth-moving machinery to clear the affected stretch, ensuring that traffic movement remained smooth. No casualties or injuries were reported.

The intense rainfall also led to several weather-related incidents across Thane district. Regional Disaster Management Cell chief Yasin Tadvi said authorities received 27 complaints during the last 24 hours, including 18 incidents of fallen trees and branches and four fire-related calls.

In one incident on Wednesday morning, a large tree collapsed onto two parked vehicles in the Charai area of Thane city, damaging both cars. Disaster management personnel and firefighters rushed to the spot and began clearing the debris. No injuries were reported.

The rainfall was part of a broader spell of heavy monsoon activity affecting Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and neighbouring districts. Several low-lying areas witnessed waterlogging, leading to traffic congestion and disruptions to daily life. Heavy showers also affected road movement in parts of the region as authorities monitored flood-prone locations.

The IMD issued weather alerts for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and adjoining districts, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rainfall and gusty winds reaching 40-60 kmph. The weather office has forecast continued rain activity over the next few days, prompting authorities to remain on alert.

Thane city recorded 77.97 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Wednesday, taking the season's cumulative rainfall to 81.26 mm.

Meanwhile, the Bhatsa Dam in Shahapur taluka received 20 mm of rainfall during the period. The reservoir's water level stood at 108.79 metres, with useful storage at 29.22 per cent of total capacity. Officials said no water release had been initiated from the dam so far.