Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has spoken to Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on the worsening flood situation in the state. Singh assured the help of defense forces in the rescue and relief operations, a statement by Pawar's office said.

Army and Navy teams have already been deployed in the state. Maharashtra Relief and Rehabilitation Secretary Aseem Gupta has been appointed as the nodal officer for coordination with the Defense Ministry, the statement added. District guardian ministers and local elected representatives have been asked to stay put in the flood-hit districts till the situation is normal.