Heavy and unrelenting rainfall has caused widespread devastation in Pune, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals in rain-related incidents. Numerous houses and residential areas in low-lying parts of the city have been submerged, prompting the mobilization of Army personnel to expedite the evacuation process.
Multiple cities across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune, Thane, and Palghar, continue to be battered by heavy rains, causing significant waterlogging. This has led to severe traffic congestion and disruptions in flight and train schedules. In response to the continuous downpour, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in Mumbai.
Between 4 am and 1 pm on Thursday, several areas in Mumbai recorded over 100 mm of rainfall. The Malpa Dongri area in Andheri experienced the highest rainfall with 157 mm, followed by Paspoli in Powai with 155 mm, and Dindoshi with 154 mm.
Pune’s Pimpri-Chinchwad region has been particularly affected by the flooding, with four fatalities reported due to rain-related incidents. The District Magistrate of Pune, Suhas Divsae, has called in the Army to assist the local administration in speeding up relief operations.
Several contingents of the Indian Army have been deployed to evacuate affected residents and relocate them to safer areas in Pune. So far, approximately 400 people have been evacuated, with two columns of the Army stationed in the heavily flooded Sinhagad Road area. Additionally, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire brigade, and district and city disaster management units are actively involved in the relief efforts.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has assured that if necessary, affected residents will be airlifted to safety. “If the need arises, we have told them to airlift people. There is no need to worry,” the Chief Minister stated.
Airlines Issue Advisory
In light of the severe weather, several airlines have issued advisories to passengers, informing them of potential flight delays and diversions. Air India has offered full refunds or one-time complimentary rescheduling for bookings confirmed for travel on 25th July 2024. “Heavy rains in Mumbai are affecting flight operations and resulting in the cancellation and diversion of some of our flights. Air India is offering full refunds or a one-time complimentary rescheduling,” Air India announced on X.
IndiGo has also advised passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. “Continuous and heavy rains over #Mumbai are causing periodic delays in flight schedules. While we strive to give you real-time updates, we kindly ask you to check your flight status before leaving for the airport,” IndiGo stated on X.
SpiceJet issued a similar statement, warning that all departures and arrivals at Mumbai airport may be affected by the bad weather. “Due to bad weather (heavy rain) in Mumbai (BOM), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may be affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status,” SpiceJet posted on X.
State Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has reviewed the situation and instructed Divisional Commissioners and other officials in Mumbai, Pune, and Thane to maintain vigilance and ensure effective rescue and relief operations. The BMC has also appealed to Mumbai residents to avoid unnecessary travel in view of the ‘red alert’ issued until Friday morning.
“The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for Mumbai until tomorrow morning 8.30 am. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) appeals to all Mumbaikars to avoid stepping out unless urgent. Please cooperate,” the BMC announced on X.
The IMD has predicted that the heavy rains will persist across various parts of the state in the coming days.
In Pune, three men were electrocuted while attempting to move their handcart, which was submerged due to heavy rains. Another person died, and one was injured in a landslide in the Tahmini Ghat area. The local administration and police are working to clear debris from the roads to restore vehicular movement.
In another incident, four to five individuals are feared trapped in a bungalow in the Lavasa area following a mudslide. NDRF teams have been deployed to low-lying areas where further flooding is anticipated.
Water is being released from the Khadakwasla dam at a rate of 9,400 cusecs following heavy rainfall in the catchment areas. Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to remain alert.
The IMD has also issued a red alert for Pune for the next 24 hours. In Raigad district, schools, colleges, and other educational institutions have been closed due to the heavy rainfall. A similar order has been issued for Palghar’s Wada and Vikramgad sub-divisions.
In Kolhapur district, an alert was issued as the Panchganga River is flowing just a few inches below the danger mark.
As Maharashtra continues to grapple with severe weather conditions, residents are urged to stay safe, adhere to official advisories, and avoid unnecessary travel. Stay informed about the latest updates and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Stay safe and stay informed—monitor local news and weather updates regularly.
