The task force on children in Maharashtra is still mulling over opening the schools. Widespread concern on the learning losses and the forth coming challenges when the re-opening actually happens is being debated. Meanwhile 33 Zilla Parishad schools in the Maval taluka of Pune district have been getting ready with water filters for clean drinking water and hand washing stands for children.

This is what is being heard at different locations from people who have been suddenly caught up in the torrential rains and massive floods in Chiplun, Ratnagiri, Raigad, Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara districts. On the 4th day of the flood the rescue operations continue and relief is trickling in slowly. While water has receded in Chiplun, Kolhapur and Sangli are still marooned and fear of increase of water levels is looming.

Thousands of people in our neighbouring districts of Satara, Kolhapur, Raigad, Sangli and Ratnagiri are calling for immediate assistance. Due to torrential rains, floods, landslides and rock falls these villagers have lost their houses, food stocks, clothes and household items. The death toll has risen above 140 and many more are missing. It is indeed a crisis situation.