India, May 26 -- The southwest monsoon arrived in Maharashtra on Sunday, with several regions including the eastern parts of Pune district receiving heavy rains. Flooding was reported in Baramati and Indapur tehsils and two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were deployed to assist with evacuations.

This marked the earliest onset of the annual monsoon season over the state in 35 years, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The monsoon is likely to advance to Mumbai and other parts of the state over the next three days, the IMD added.

"The usual date for arrival of the monsoon in Maharashtra is June 5," said Shubhangi Bhute, director, IMD Mumbai. "This year, the season has arrived 10 days in advance."...