Apart from leaving a trail of death and destruction, heavy monsoon rain triggered an unusual incident in Maharashtra’s Raigad district, where floodwaters washed away nearly 3,000 filled and empty LPG cylinders from a bottling plant.

The cylinders were swept into the Patalganga River on Wednesday when a water channel running through the Rasayani industrial area overflowed after incessant rain. Videos circulating on social media show hundreds of red LPG cylinders drifting rapidly downstream in the swollen river, showing the scale of the flooding that has hit several parts of the state.

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According to a report by The Times of India, authorities have recovered around 1,000 cylinders so far, while efforts are underway to trace and recover the rest.

Officials warn against picking up cylinders

Heavy monsoon rain has caused widespread damage in Maharashtra, and an unusual incident unfolded in Raigad district after floodwaters swept away nearly 3,000 filled and empty LPG cylinders from a bottling plant.

The cylinders were washed into the Patalganga River on Wednesday after a water channel passing through the Rasayani industrial area overflowed due to continuous rainfall. Videos shared on social media show hundreds of red LPG cylinders floating rapidly downstream in the swollen river, showing just how severe the flooding is in the state.

According to a report by The Times of India, authorities have recovered around 1,000 cylinders so far, while efforts are underway to locate and retrieve the rest. With many cylinders still believed to be floating in the river or washed ashore in nearby areas, the district administration has urged residents not to touch or keep them.

NDTV reported that Raigad Collector Kishan Javle appealed to people to immediately inform the authorities or return any cylinders they find to the company, rather than taking them home.

The administration also advised citizens not to store the cylinders at their homes and to cooperate with officials in recovering them promptly. “There is no guarantee whether the cylinders washed into the river contain gas or whether they are in a safe condition. Picking them up, opening them, or taking them home out of curiosity or for use could be extremely dangerous,” the collector was quoted as saying by NDTV.

How bad is the weather likely to get?

Maharashtra has been experiencing relentless rainfall over the past week, leading to flooding, waterlogging, and disruption across several districts. Raigad remains among the worst-hit regions, with overflowing rivers and flooded low-lying areas causing widespread concern.

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a “yellow alert” for Mumbai and Thane for Thursday, forecasting thunderstorms with lightning, moderate rainfall, and gusty winds.

Although the rain is expected to be less intense than the previous spell, authorities have advised residents to stay alert as weather conditions remain unstable.

FAQS

1.How did the cylinders end up in the river?

The cylinders were washed into the Patalganga River on Wednesday after a water channel passing through the Rasayani industrial area overflowed due to continuous rainfall.

2.How many cylinders have been recovered so far?

According to a report by The Times of India, authorities have recovered around 1,000 cylinders so far, while efforts are underway to locate and retrieve the rest.