Heavy rainfall has caused significant disruptions in Pune and nearby regions, leading to school closures and widespread chaos. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, predicting continued heavy rain. District Collector Suhas Diwase has ordered the closure of schools in several areas as a safety precaution.
Water Release from Mutha River
The Pune administration has increased the water release into the Mutha River, discharging water at a rate of 40,000 cusecs since 6 a.m. on Thursday. Earlier that morning, water was released at a speed of 27,203 cusecs. Residents living along the riverbanks have been warned to remain vigilant.
Flooding in Residential Areas
Heavy rains on Wednesday night caused water to enter homes and buildings in Ekta Nagri and Vitthal Nagar areas.
School Closures
Due to the severe weather forecast, schools in Khadakwasla, Bhor, Velha, Maval, Mulshi, Haveli talukas, Pune city, and Pimpri Chinchwad have been closed on July 25. District Collector Suhas Diwase emphasized the importance of safety, urging residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
Traffic Disruptions and Tree Falls
Persistent rain and strong winds have led to numerous tree falls and severe traffic jams across the city. Commuters faced long delays, especially in areas like Hinjewadi Information Technology Park, where waterlogged roads and ongoing metro construction exacerbated the situation.
“It took me around 80 minutes to reach from Wakad Square to Hinjewadi Phase 3, which usually is a 40-minute drive,” shared Manasi Aradhye, an employee at an MNC. Local authorities and police attributed the slow traffic to unattended craters and metro construction.
Impact on Peth Areas
In Peth areas, residents faced choked roads and prolonged vehicle queues. Sunita Pokharna of Shaniwar Peth reported noise pollution from constant honking and inadequate response from traffic police. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Rohidas Pawar mentioned that teams were deployed to manage the traffic chaos caused by the rains.
Tree Fall Incidents
Numerous tree fall incidents were reported in areas such as Aundh, Erandwane, Wanowrie, and others. Chief Fire Officer Devendra Potphode urged citizens to report such incidents promptly and avoid standing near old trees.
IMD Orange Alert and Rescue Operations
The district administration has issued an orange alert predicting heavy rainfall for the next 48 hours. At least 30 tourists were rescued from Malvali and Karle villages near Lonavla due to flooding. The local administration advised citizens to avoid visiting potentially dangerous areas like dams and waterfalls in Maval.
Fatal Incidents and Water Release
Four deaths have been reported in rain-related incidents. Three individuals were electrocuted in Pulachi Wadi, while a landslide in Adarwadi village claimed another life. Collector Diwase stated that heavy rains in catchment areas necessitated the release of over 35,000 cusecs of water from Khadakwasla dam, with potential increases expected.
Emergency Responses
The Pune City Fire Brigade responded to numerous emergencies, including wall collapses and waterlogged houses. No casualties were reported in these incidents, though the community remains on high alert.
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