Monsoon wreaks havoc in Maharashtra, 324 killed

Heavy rains, floods, lightning strikes and other natural causes have wreaked havoc in Maharashtra accounting for around 324 deaths mainly in the eastern Vidarbha region of the state.

Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said recently that the deaths had taken place mainly in the Nagpur and Amravati divisions of the state. “As many as 5,334 homes were completely destroyed by the rain and flood fury in the state, while another 72,718 homes were partially damaged,” Chavan said.

The minister added that the government has disbursed compensation of Rs.250,000 per family of 196 deceased persons and compensated for the loss of 4,336 homes. Farmers too had incurred a loss of 1852 cattle and other livestock. “The loss of cattle and livestock is being compensated at between Rs.5,000 to Rs.25,000, and 699 owners of cattle have been compensated,” Chavan said.