MUMBAI, June 21 (UNI) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert on Saturday for Konkan and Western Ghat regions, forecasting intense rainfall over the next 48 hours across Maharashtra's coastal districts.

Ratnagiri, Raigad, and Sindhudurg face the highest risk of "heavy to very heavy" downpours, with Pune district being similarly alerted.

Current impacts are already severe: Ratnagiri recorded 41.7mm rainfall in 24 hours ending Saturday morning, followed closely by Thane and Palghar (41.6mm each). Submerged roads paralyzed Khed and Dapoli, forcing closures on Borghar-Nato-Chinchwali and Chinchagarh-Koregaon-Bhiravi routes.

A landslide briefly blocked National Highway 166 before clearance crews restored access.

Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai can expect light to moderate showers with isolated heavy spells, though major disruption is unlikely.

The IMD warns of escalating conditions in central Maharashtra's valley areas – particularly Pune, Satara, and Nashik – where orange alerts take effect June 23-24.

Marathwada and Vidarbha regions will see reduced intensity after Sunday, with only light showers anticipated in Nanded, Parbhani, and Hingoli.

Small boats are prohibited from venturing seaward and riverside communities have been alerted against flood risks.

The Jagbodi river (Raigad) is flowing above the danger level, while the Godavari and other Nashik rivers are rising rapidly. Dam reservoirs are accumulating significant inflows.

Authorities urge low-lying residents to take precautions as the monsoon surge continues. Yellow alerts remain active in select zones, with the Ocean Information Service Centre joining IMD in emphasizing marine safety protocols.

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