Heavy Rainfall havocs Pune, Mumbai; four dead in rain-related incidents

Four fatalities have been reported in Pune due to rain-related incidents, prompting authorities to take emergency measures.

| Updated: 25 July, 2024 1:28 pm IST

After heavy rains last week, Water and PWD Minister Atishi Marlena, along with Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj, reviewed waterlogging preparations. They instructed all departments to create an integrated control room with PWD as the main agency. Previously, civic agencies like PWD, MCD, NDMC, and DDA each had their control rooms and helpline numbers.

(TNI File Photo By Sumit Kumar)

NEW DELHI: Pune and Mumbai have been hit by heavy rains, leading to severe waterlogging and school closures. Four fatalities have been reported in Pune due to rain-related incidents, prompting authorities to take emergency measures.

Pune District Collector Suhas Diwase ordered the closure of schools in Pune City, Pimpri Chinchwad, Bhor, Velhe, Maval, Mulshi, and Khadakwasla as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for the region. The decision was a precaution against the incessant rain and waterlogging that have inundated several residential areas.

“Citizens in low-lying areas should take precautions and avoid venturing out,” urged Collector Diwase, highlighting the potential dangers of the situation.

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Three people died from electrocution through the water at Pulachi Wadi in the Deccan Gymkhana area, and another person lost their life in a landslide at Adarwadi village in Maval tehsil, according to reports. The IMD forecast predicts hefty rainfall in the ghat areas and moderate rains in the plains until Friday.Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated that the Indian Air Force and Army have been alerted for flood relief operations in Pune and surrounding areas. “Deputy CM Ajit Pawar is coordinating with officers from Mantralaya,” he added, emphasizing the government’s preparedness for disaster response.

In Mumbai, heavy rain on Thursday led to significant waterlogging, particularly affecting the Andheri Subway, which has been closed for vehicular movement. The IMD issued a yellow alert for the city, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places till Friday. Schools and colleges from Class 1 to 12 in Thane district have also been closed due to the downpour.

ALSO READ: Delhi rain: IMD issues yellow alert for next two days in Delhi

The North Konkan meteorological subdivision, which includes Mumbai and nearby areas, is expected to receive widespread rain until July 30. In addition to Pune and Mumbai, the IMD forecast also predicted heavy rainfall for Raigad and Ratnagiri.With Pune recording 567.2 mm of rainfall from June 1 to July 24, 2024, and heavy showers continuing, the situation remains critical. Authorities are closely monitoring the water discharge from the Khadakwasla dam, which stood at 40,000 cusecs at 2 am and is likely to increase, posing a risk of further waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Residents are advised to stay informed and adhere to safety instructions issued by local authorities as the heavy rainfall continues to impact daily life in these regions.