Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Pune is currently facing heavy rainfall, causing several disruptions throughout the city. The downpour has led to various challenges for residents, from school closures to traffic jams, and even serious accidents.
Here's a detailed look at the situation:
School Closures and Traffic Jams
The heavy rainfall in Pune has led to the closure of schools in several areas, including Khadakwasla, Bhor, Velha, Maval, Mulshi, Haveli talukas, Pune city, and Pimpri Chinchwad. The safety of students and staff is a priority, and the authorities have taken this step to prevent any accidents due to the extreme weather conditions.
Commuters are also facing significant difficulties. Persistent rain and strong winds have caused several trees to fall, leading to severe traffic jams across the city. Areas like the Hinjewadi Information Technology Park, a major hub for IT professionals, are experiencing long delays. The District Collector has advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and stay safe at home whenever possible.
Water Discharge and Flood Warnings
The situation has been exacerbated by the increased water discharge from the Khadakwasla dam, which has been releasing 40,000 cusecs of water since early morning. This has led to potential waterlogging in low-lying areas of Pune. Residents living near the riverbanks have been alerted to be cautious and prepared for possible flooding.
The continuous rainfall has also affected nearby areas. In the last 24 hours, Lonavla received 300 mm of rainfall, Lavasa 417 mm, and Junnar 214 mm. The heavy rainfall has raised concerns about the safety of those living in vulnerable areas, and officials are closely monitoring the situation.
Fatalities and Emergency Response
Tragically, the heavy rains have resulted in four fatalities. Three young men were electrocuted near Bhide Bridge on Wednesday night. The victims, Abhishekh Ajay Ghanekar, Akash Vinayak Mane, and Shiva Parihar, operated an egg bhurji stall in the Deccan area. They were closing their stall when electric current from stagnant floodwater caused their deaths.
In a separate incident, a landslide in Adharwadi village early Thursday morning led to one death and another person being injured. The authorities are actively responding to these incidents, with emergency services working around the clock to provide aid and support. A red alert has been issued, warning of continued heavy rainfall.
The Pune administration has advised private businesses to consider giving their employees a holiday to ensure their safety. In Pune city, areas like Sinhagad Road, Bavdhan, Baner, and Deccan Gymkhana are experiencing severe flooding. The fire brigade and Pune Municipal Corporation's disaster management team are tirelessly working to rescue stranded residents.
The Mutha River's water level has risen significantly due to the record rainfall and substantial water discharge from the Khadakwasla dam. Housing societies along the riverbanks, especially in low-lying areas along Sinhagad Road, have been particularly affected. By 11 a.m., the fire department had evacuated over 400 people from various housing societies, ensuring their safety.
As Pune grapples with these challenges, the city's residents are urged to stay informed and cautious. The authorities are working hard to manage the situation and ensure everyone's safety.
