Pune Rain Latest Update: 4 Dead, Schools Closed, and Army on Standby Amid Red Alert

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Pune Rains have resulted in four fatalities and significant disruptions across the city. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert, authorities have taken swift action to mitigate the impact of the torrential downpour.
Pune Rain Havoc

The incessant rain, which began on Wednesday night, has caused severe waterlogging in various parts of Pune. Tragically, four individuals have lost their lives in rain-related incidents. Three of these fatalities were due to electrocution in the Pulachi Wadi area of Deccan Gymkhana, while one person succumbed to a landslide in Adarwadi village, Maval tehsil.

In response to the severe weather conditions, Pune District Collector Suhas Diwase has ordered the closure of schools across the city to ensure the safety of students and staff. This precautionary measure comes as heavy rains continue to batter the region, with forecasts predicting more rainfall in the coming days.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has confirmed that the Indian Air Force and Army have been placed on alert to assist with potential flood relief operations. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is actively coordinating with officials from Mantralaya to ensure a swift and effective response to the ongoing crisis.

IMD Weather Predictions and Alerts

The IMD has issued a red alert for Pune, indicating extremely heavy rainfall in the ghat areas and moderate rains in the plains until Friday. Since June 1, the district has recorded an impressive 567.2 mm of rainfall. The persistent rain has led to significant waterlogging and flooding in low-lying areas, prompting urgent rescue and relief efforts.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed three teams in Pune to manage the crisis. Two teams are stationed in Ekta Nagar and Singhgad Road, while one team is positioned in Varje. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has reported severe waterlogging in several areas, including Velha, Mulshi, Bhor talukas, and the catchment areas of Khadakwasla dam.

Emergency services have been actively responding to incidents of flooding and evacuating stranded residents. The fire brigade and disaster management cell of the PMC are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population.

Traffic Disruptions and Rescue Operations

The heavy rain has caused significant traffic disruptions across Pune. Strong winds and persistent rain have led to numerous tree-fall incidents and severe traffic jams. Commuters faced long delays, particularly in areas like Hinjewadi Information Technology Park, where waterlogged roads and ongoing metro work compounded the situation.

In Peth areas, residents reported noise pollution from constant honking and inadequate traffic management. The Pune City Fire Brigade responded to multiple emergencies, including wall collapses and waterlogged houses, though no casualties were reported in these incidents.

Rescue operations are ongoing, with at least 30 tourists evacuated from Malvali and Karle villages near Lonavla due to flooding. The local administration has urged citizens to avoid visiting potentially dangerous areas, such as dams and waterfalls, in the ghat regions.

Collector Suhas Diwase emphasized the need for public vigilance and cooperation. “Citizens must stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel,” he warned, highlighting the critical role of community awareness in ensuring safety during such extreme weather conditions.

Pune Rain Latest Update: 4 Dead, Schools Closed, and Army on Standby Amid Red Alert

Ongoing and Future Precautions

With the IMD predicting continued heavy rainfall, the district administration has issued an orange alert for the next 48 hours. The authorities have advised citizens to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel. Housing societies in low-lying areas like Sinhagad Road, Bavdhan, Baner, and Deccan Gymkhana are particularly vulnerable to flooding.

The release of 40,000 cusecs of water from Khadakwasla dam has exacerbated waterlogging in these regions. The administration is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to increase water discharge if necessary.

Impact on Mumbai and Surrounding Regions

The heavy rainfall has not been confined to Pune alone. Mumbai also experienced severe weather on Thursday, with the IMD predicting moderate to intense rain spells accompanied by gusty winds reaching 50-60 km/h. A yellow alert was issued for Mumbai, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated locations.

Raigad and Ratnagiri districts are also on high alert, with predictions of heavy rainfall similar to Pune. The IMD forecast indicates that Mumbai and its suburbs will experience consistent rain, leading to potential disruptions in daily life.

A Quick Review

The heavy rains in Pune have led to a tragic loss of life and significant disruptions across the city. With schools closed, emergency services on high alert, and continuous rainfall predicted, the situation remains critical. Authorities are working around the clock to manage the crisis, urging citizens to stay safe and heed weather warnings.

As Pune navigates through this challenging period, the collective efforts of government agencies, emergency responders, and the community will be crucial in mitigating the impact of these devastating rains.

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