When the western Indian city of Sangli went underwater on Saturday, Hasmukh Dani watched in horror.

The 70-year-old has witnessed four floods since 1962 in his city in the state of Maharashtra.

Known as the fertile black soil region of the state, Sangli, along with the city of Kolhapur, are historically known for recording high flood levels, breaking records along the way.

“2019 was the worst – water levels rose up to six feet [two meters],” said Mr. Dani, who runs a small store in the city.

“But this time, we were prepared.”

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As the specter of floods once again loomed over Sangli last week, Mr. Dani immediately shut shop and shifted all his products to a warehouse. Then, he made arrangements for lodgings in case the floodwaters entered his home.