Separate force like NDRF to be formed in all Maharashtra districts: CM Uddhav Thackeray

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray visits flood affected Chiplun, following heavy rains in Ratnagiri district. Pic/PTI

Amid the rain havoc in parts of Maharashtra, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said a separate force on the lines of the NDRF will be set up in all districts of the state and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) will also be strengthened.

The number of deaths due to flooding, landslides and other rain-related incidents in parts of Maharashtra reached 113 on Sunday with one more casualty reported in the last 24 hours, while 100 people were missing after the monsoon fury, the state government said.

So far, 50 people have also been injured in these incidents, the government said in a statement.

On Sunday, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray visited Chiplun, the site of severe flooding in Ratnagiri district of the Konkan region.

Addressing a press conference in the rain-battered town, Thackeray said, "Considering the frequent natural calamities, a separate force on the lines of the NationalDisaster Response Force (NDRF) will be set up in all districts of the state. Similarly, a flood management machinery will also be set up."

Also read: Maharashtra Floods: 113 dead, 100 missing; CM Uddhav Thackeray visits rain-battered Chiplun

Accompanied by Ministers Anil Parab, and Uday Samant, MLA Bhaskar Jadhav, Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte and other civic and police officials, Thackeray interacted with traders, shopkeepers and residents, who had to take refuge on roofs or on top of building tops were marooned for nearly three days amid 15-20 feet water.

Many recounted their plight with tears in their eyes, some others lost control, and a group of agitated townies attempted to 'gherao' the CM and his entourage, demanding promised assistance and rehabilitation.

The Chief Minister later undertook a detailed review meeting at a private hotel and took details of the unprecedented disaster, the deaths and missing people, the damage to public and private properties, the type of immediate help and long-term assistance to rebuild the town, etc.

"I will not make any populist announcements right now but make a comprehensive study and then we shall give the compensation, how much help can be asked from the Centre, within a couple of days," Thackeray told media persons.

He directed the local administration to provide food, water and medicines to the displaced people.

Thackeray also said he will not celebrate his birthday on July 27, in the wake of the rain havoc claiming several lives in Maharashtra, and asked people not to put up hoardings or come to meet him in person.

He said there should be no public programmes on his birthday in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, and urged people to contribute to the chief minister's relief fund.

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