MUMBAI: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel have launched rescue operations in rain-soaked Vasai taluka in Palghar district neighbouring Mumbai which witnessed 240 mm rainfall in the last 24 hours ended this morning.
Many people are stranded in various areas of Vasai taluka and town as water level rose due to extremely heavy rainfall coupled with a high tide.
"An NDRF company has reached Vasai. More personnel will be called if needed," Palghar district collector Prashant Narnaware told PTI.
The collector said Vadodara Express is stuck between suburban Virar and Nallasopara stations of western railway due to water-logging on tracks.
He said the passengers are being evacuated.
"Palghar received extremely heavy rainfall at 240 mm from 8.30 AM yesterday to 8:30 AM today, which collided with a high tide," Narnaware said, adding that water level is expected to recede by this evening.
The collector has issued a requisition order seeking to use a local college as a temporary shelter for the rescued people.
"NDRF team reached Manikpur village, district Palghar, Maharashtra where Water level has risen in village and many villagers are reported to be stranded," the NDRF said in a tweet.
An NDRF team, personnel of RPF and Western Railway are providing relief to the passengers of Vadodara Express.
"NDRF team & RPF, WR have reached Vadodara Express(12928), standing between Nallasopara- Virar, to provide necessary relief to its passengers," NDRF said in another tweet.
Western Railway said in a statement late tonight that it had sought the help of the Army and Navy for disaster management.
"The assistance of the Army and Navy had been requested in terms of disaster management and only to provide transportation of food packets and other relief material to stranded passengers at various locations between Vasai Road and Virar as these areas were submerged under water," said the statement.