Four killed in Raigad district as cyclone Tauktae uproots trees

The cyclone damaged thousands of trees across the district

Cyclone Tauktae lashed Raigad district on Monday, leading to the death of four people and damaging thousands of houses across several talukas. The deaths happened after strong winds uprooted trees. The deceased were identified as Ramesh Narayan Sable, 45, Rama Katkari, 80, Sunanda Bhimnath Gharat and Neeta Bhalchandra Naik.

Houses damaged

Around 5,224 houses were partially damaged while nine were completely destroyed by the cyclonic storm.

Raigad Collector Nidhi Choudhari said 2,263 families (comprising 8,383 people) were evacuated, and most of them were from Shirivardhan, Mahad, Alibag, Uran, Mangaon, Murud, Roha and Khalapur.

Also Read: Cyclone Tauktae a wake-up call ahead of monsoon

Unlike last year, the district was better prepared to deal with the devastating storm. Cyclone Nisarga had in June 2020 caused massive damage to the energy department in the district. This year, too, 135 high-tension poles and low tension 418 poles were damaged. "Electricity poles have been damaged in Alibaug, Shrivardhan, etc. Roads that were blocked due to fallen trees are being cleared by field teams." Choudhari said.

Electricity supply to most of the 99 Covid-19 hospitals got cut off on Monday, following which they were functioning on generators. By evening, power to around 66 hospitals was restored.