Heavy overnight rains and persistent downpours, especially in the catchment areas of dams, have led to severe flooding in parts of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad on Thursday morning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘red alert’ for the city, signaling the severity of the situation.
So far, four fatalities have been reported due to rain-related incidents. Three individuals died from electrocution through water during the heavy rainfall at Pulachi Wadi in the Deccan Gymkhana area in the early hours of the day. Additionally, a landslide in Adarwadi village in Maval tehsil resulted in the death of one person and injuries to another. The landslide was caused by a heavy rock tumbling down the road, with the deceased identified as a restaurant staffer.
Pune Collector Suhas Diwase reported that water is being discharged from Khadakwasla dam due to heavy rains in its catchment area. “Maval, Mulshi, Bhor, Velha, Khed, Junnar, and Ambegaon areas of the Western Ghats have received significant rainfall. The catchment areas of Khadakwasla dam have particularly been affected, leading to the release of over 35,000 cusecs of water since morning, which may increase to 40 to 45,000 cusecs today,” said Diwase.
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In response to the flooding, schools in Pune city and surrounding areas, including Pimpri Chinchwad, Bhor, Velhe, Maval, Mulshi, and Khadakwasla, have been ordered to close by collector Suhas Diwase. All tourist places have been shut down, and private offices and industrial units have been urged to do the same. The Pavana dam, which is the main source of water supply for Pimpri-Chinchwad, had reached 58 percent of its capacity by Wednesday afternoon following continuous rain in Maval taluka of Pune district.
Diwase also confirmed two landslide incidents in Pune rural areas. One landslide occurred at Tamhini Ghat in Maval tehsil near Lavasa, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team already on the scene. Three individuals have been reported trapped, and rescue operations are currently underway.
The heavy rains have significantly impacted the city, causing distress and disruption. Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel while emergency services work to manage the situation and ensure public safety.
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