Incessant rain has caused severe waterlogging in Pune and Kolhapur, severely affecting normal life and leading to school closures. Mumbai is also experiencing a challenging situation with its second-wettest July on record, receiving over 150 cm of rain.
Several residential areas in Pune’s Pimpri-Chinchwad are flooded, and four people have died in rain-related incidents. Three men were electrocuted in the Deccan area while trying to move their submerged handcart. Another person died, and one was injured in a landslide in the Tahmini Ghat section. The district administration and local police are working to clear debris and reopen roads. Army personnel are assisting with relief operations.
The heavy rainfall has also disrupted flight operations. Air India issued an advisory informing passengers about delays and diversions of flights to Mumbai. They are offering full refunds or one-time complimentary rescheduling for bookings confirmed for travel on July 25, 2024. IndiGo and SpiceJet have also advised passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport due to periodic delays caused by the continuous rain.
Government Response
State Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar reviewed the situation and instructed officials in Mumbai, Pune, and Thane to remain vigilant and continue rescue and relief efforts. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has appealed to Mumbai residents to avoid stepping out unless necessary, following a ‘red alert’ issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) until Friday morning.
Ongoing Rainfall and Precautions
The IMD has predicted that heavy rains will continue across different areas of the state in the coming days. In Pune, water is being released at a rate of 9,400 cusecs from the Khadakwasla dam following heavy rainfall in the catchment areas. People living in low-lying areas have been cautioned to stay alert. A red alert has been issued for Pune for the next 24 hours.
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In Raigad district, the local administration declared a holiday for schools, colleges, and other educational institutions on Thursday due to heavy rainfall. A similar order has been issued for Palghar’s Wada and Vikramgad sub-divisions. Both districts are on red alert.
In Kolhapur district, the Panchganga River is flowing just a few inches below the danger mark. The water level at Rajaram Weir reached 42.2 feet, only 8 inches below the danger mark of 43 feet, prompting an alert in the district.
The ongoing heavy rains are expected to persist, and authorities are urging residents to remain cautious and follow advisories for their safety.
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