Pune is grappling with a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions as torrential rains have transformed the city into a waterlogged archipelago. The relentless downpour has caused widespread devastation, claiming lives, displacing thousands, and crippling essential services.
Pune City Waterlogged Amid Heavy Rains
Heavy rain has led to waterlogging in several areas in Pune paralysed normal life. Schools have been shut and residential apartments in Pune’s Pimpri-Chinchwad have been flooded.#MumbaiRains #MyBMCUpdate@CMOMaharashtra@Dev_Fadnavis@AjitPawarSpeaks@dvkesarkar@MPLodha #Pune pic.twitter.com/WHDxXuVe3h
— kumar Ashutosh Anand (@Ashutos59663780) July 25, 2024
Electrocution claimed the lives of three individuals while they tried to cross a flooded street in Deccan Gymkhana. The victims, who earned a living by selling street food, were trying to salvage their handcart when disaster struck. Their untimely deaths serve as a grim reminder of the perilous conditions faced by residents.
The city’s infrastructure has been pushed to its limits. Schools have been forced to close their doors, and residents have been advised to stay indoors as floodwaters continue to rise. Pimpri-Chinchwad has emerged as a particularly hard-hit area, with entire neighbourhoods submerged.
Pune district has recorded a rainfall of 567.2 mm from June 1 to July 24, 2024, reported IMD.
Attachments Details
1&2.local
3.Mutha river , Sinhagad road
4. modak-sagar lakehttps://t.co/bFHtJal6aGCc @IndianExpress#PuneRains#PuneNews #Pune pic.twitter.com/Hhed7TH28A
— Daljeet Harsh (@dsh35a) July 25, 2024
Emergency services are working tirelessly to rescue those trapped in their homes. Three teams from the National Disaster Response Force have rushed to the worst-hit areas, where water levels have soared. Residents have recounted terrifying experiences of being trapped on rooftops, their homes flooded, and their possessions lost to the floodwaters.
Red Alert Issued
She: How do you know that there was heavy rainfall in Pune
Me: pic.twitter.com/GGmH8STzVw
— Being Punekar (@beingpunekar1) July 24, 2024
Visuals from Khadakwasla Dam Pune!
Water Released today Morning owing to Heavy #PuneRains Flooding in Parts of Pune. Mumbai & Pune facing same fate today! #MumbaiRains pic.twitter.com/lgyW4XhbJW
— Mumbai Nowcast (@s_r_khandelwal) July 25, 2024
The Khadakwasla dam, a vital water source for the city, has overflowed, exacerbating the flood situation. Authorities have alerted residents living along the Mutha riverbank as rising waters pose a threat. The iconic Baba Bhide Bridge has been submerged, cutting off access to affected areas.
As the crisis deepens, the city’s residents are facing a multitude of challenges. Access to food, clean water, and medical care has become increasingly difficult. With transportation networks disrupted, people are struggling to reach essential services. The economic impact of the floods is also likely to be severe, with businesses suffering losses and livelihoods at risk.
Authorities are working around the clock to restore normalcy. The district administration has imposed restrictions on traffic movement on vulnerable bridges and closed tourist spots as a precautionary measure. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has been monitoring the situation closely and has directed all concerned departments to be on high alert.
Also Read: Dense Fog, Heavy Rains Lash Lonavala; Visuals Of The Flooded Hill Station Go Viral
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a red alert, indicating extremely heavy rainfall in the region. This grim forecast has cast a shadow over the city, as residents brace themselves for more days of torrential downpours.
Cover Image Courtesy: @gaaw_waale, @beingpunekar1/X (Formerly, Twitter)