August 18, 2025: Torrential rains resembling a cloudburst hit Mukhed taluka in Maharashtra’s Nanded district on Monday, resulting in five people going missing and causing extensive flooding across several villages. The sudden downpour overwhelmed local drainage systems and disrupted normal life in the area.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), an orange alert had been issued for the Marathwada region, including Nanded, warning of heavy rainfall. Mukhed taluka, however, received more than 150 mm of rain within a few hours, leading to flash floods that submerged roads, homes, and farmlands. Many villages were cut off due to the rising water levels.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that five individuals are unaccounted for following the rainfall. Search and rescue operations have been launched, involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local authorities. Continued rainfall and challenging terrain have made rescue operations difficult, leaving several areas still unreachable.
Residents described the downpour as sudden and extremely heavy. Several families reported damage to crops and livestock, while roads and bridges in the taluka sustained severe damage. Emergency shelters have been set up in schools and community halls for those displaced by the floods. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid rivers and low-lying areas. Relief teams are providing food, clean drinking water, and medical assistance to affected families.
Officials have also warned that heavy rainfall may continue in the Marathwada region over the next few days. Water levels in nearby rivers and dams are being closely monitored to prevent further incidents. The administration has appealed to local communities to follow safety instructions and cooperate with rescue and relief teams.
As search efforts continue, the state government is coordinating with central agencies to provide timely assistance to affected families and restore damaged infrastructure.
