Relentless rain over the past four days has battered Palghar district, flooding towns like Vasai, Virar, and Dahanu. From chawls in Vasai left waterlogged to villages in Wada cut off, life has been brought to a standstill by one of the harshest monsoons in recent years. In Virar West, men, women, and children clung to tractor railings while wading through waist-deep waters. With public transport paralysed, tractors have become the only means of travel between Khorodi and Virar railway station.

“I paid Rs 40 just to reach the station, standing on the joint of the tractor with 20 others. It’s risky, but what choice do we have?” said Sunil Pawar, a commuter. At Viva College, Nalasopara, students have missed three days of classes. “Our campus is like an island. Even the bus depot is flooded. Exams or no exams, we cannot move,” said one student.

Officials carry out rescue and relief efforts in Bhoipada