Maharashtra is facing severe flooding risks after days of relentless rain, prompting authorities to release water from several major dams.In an effort to avoid sudden dam overflows, water is being discharged from Jaikwadi,  Kolegaon, Koyana and Gosikhurd among others.  The releases have elevated river and canal levels, placing many villages along riverbanks on high alert.

The Jaikwadi dam alone has released about 1.25 lakh cusecs of water into the Godavari River. Meanwhile, 60,000 to 75,000 cusecs are being let out from dams on the Sina River.  In Vidarbha, 19 gates of Gosikhurd dam have been opened, heightening flood dangers downstream.

The heavy rainfall, which started Saturday, has battered multiple regions including Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Satara, Kolhapur, Marathwada, Vidarbha, and Solapur.  In Mumbai, traffic snarled across major routes such as the Western and Eastern Express Highways, and the Andheri subway was submerged under nearly two feet of water.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has held discussions with district officials in flood-affected zones, asking them to begin evacuations of vulnerable riverbank residents.  He also instructed provision of essentials like food, shelter, and medical aid in relief camps.

The IMD has issued warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall across several parts of the state through September 30.  Residents are being urged to avoid flood-prone areas, stay updated, and heed government advisories.