NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Wednesday reviewed the situations in Maharashtra and Kerala during separate phone calls with chief ministers Devendra Fadnavis and V D Satheesan, assuring both states of the Centre’s full support, according to officials.Shah first spoke to Fadnavis to take stock of the flood and rain situation in Maharashtra, where heavy rainfall has disrupted normal life, particularly in Mumbai.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds across Mumbai and adjoining districts on Wednesday.According to the IMD, Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Raigad are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, while isolated places in Palghar may witness extremely heavy rainfall. Wind speeds of 60-70 kmph are also expected over parts of the Konkan region.The weather department said rainfall activity is likely to gradually reduce from July 9, although Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg may continue to receive heavy rain at isolated places.The IMD also warned of localised flooding, flash floods, landslides in vulnerable areas, rough sea conditions along the Konkan coast and disruption to road, rail, air and ferry services. It advised people to avoid waterlogged areas and exercise caution during thunderstorms.Mumbai witnessed fresh heavy showers on Wednesday after brief relief a day earlier, delaying suburban train services and affecting commuters during the morning rush.Long-distance train services towards Gujarat remained disrupted due to waterlogging on the Vasai-Virar section in neighbouring Palghar district and at several locations in south Gujarat. Rail traffic on the Mumbai-Pune route also remained affected following landslides in the Bhor Ghat section earlier this week.Civic officials said Tulsi Lake, one of Mumbai’s seven drinking water reservoirs, began overflowing late Tuesday night after heavy rainfall in its catchment area.Meanwhile, the Maharashtra chief minister’s Office (CMO) advised farmers to plan agricultural activities according to changing weather conditions, as rainfall is expected to reduce across several parts of the state from July 8.

Shah reviews Wayanad tunnel tragedy

Shah also spoke to Kerala chief minister V D Satheesan after a rain-triggered collapse of a mound of excavated earth at a tunnel construction site in Wayanad claimed at least three lives.According to the Kerala Chief Minister’s Office, Shah enquired about the incident and assured the state of all possible assistance from the Centre.The home minister also expressed satisfaction with the rescue and relief operations carried out by the state government and asked the chief minister to order a high-level inquiry into the incident. Satheesan informed him that the state cabinet, which met earlier in the day, had already decided to conduct an inquiry.The incident occurred at a multi-crore tunnel project site in Meppadi panchayat in Wayanad district, where a rain-soaked mound of excavated earth collapsed on Tuesday. At least three people were killed, 10 others were injured and five remained missing.(With input from agencies)