Several states in the country are facing severe conditions due to torrential rains and floods. The most significant impact is visible in Maharashtra. Heavy rain continues in several cities in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune, Thane, and Palghar. As a result, roads and rail tracks are flooded. Traffic jams have become common, and flights and train operations have been delayed. Continuous rain has also caused lakes to overflow. The situation in Pune and Kolhapur is critical, affecting everyday life. Furthermore, Mumbai is facing an onslaught of rain, marking the second-highest July rainfall with over 150 cm of rain.
In Pune, a rescue operation saved 70 people today, Thursday. All were stuck in residential areas due to water inundation. The fire department acted quickly, using boats to rescue people. The army has now taken over the rescue operations in Pune’s Ekta Nagar, which remains submerged. The situation has been dire all night. There’s no electricity or water, resulting in four deaths already.
Source: aajtak
15 Residential Colonies Submerged
The situation for Pune’s residents worsens as they are unable to exit their homes. There’s no electricity or water inside the homes, and the outside conditions are extremely bad. Vehicles parked in streets are submerged. Flooding in at least 15 colonies has rendered life arduous. Roads, alleys, homes – everything is swallowed by floodwater, forcing people to navigate through it for any movement. Women and elderly are worst affected.
Army Deployed for Rescue in Pune
The Indian Army has deployed several units to rescue and relocate affected individuals to safer places in Pune. So far, around 400 people have been rescued. Authorities disclosed that two army units were deployed in the heavily affected Singhgad Road area. Additionally, NDRF, the fire department, and district and city disaster management teams are engaged in the relief efforts. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated that if necessary, aerial evacuation of affected individuals to Pune will be arranged.
Source: aajtak
Bhide Bridge and APMC Market Submerged
In Pune’s Bavdhan area, streets have transformed into streams. Imagery of the submerged Bhide Bridge captures the fury of nature. Pune’s drone images reveal the devastation. Floodwater even reached the metro station after relentless rains. The Bhide Bridge and the APMC Market are underwater. Moreover, the Mutha River’s banks have nearly submerged the Omkareshwar Temple.
Source: aajtak
It’s not just Pune city; similar severe rains have ravaged the Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maval, and Lonavala areas of the district. It feels like the sky has burst open. As a result, more than 20 tourists were trapped in a bungalow in the Malvali area. The Shivdurga rescue team navigated through neck-deep water to save them.
The dam’s overflow was controlled by releasing 40,000 cusecs of water. Singhgad Road is submerged. Municipal workers are toiling to drain the water. As rain-induced conditions deteriorate, Deputy CM and in-charge minister Ajit Pawar has been holding continuous meetings. In light of the flood situation, the district administration announced a school holiday. Relief efforts have intensified.
960-Year-Old Shiva Temple Flooded
Even a 960-year-old Shiva temple in Ambernath, Maharashtra, is not spared. Floodwater has invaded the temple, submerging the idol and Shivalinga. The Waladhuni River flowing next to the temple has swelled due to heavy rains. Continuous rainfall over the past two days has caused the rivers and streams to overflow. If the rain continues, the city might face flooding.
Airlines Issue Advisories
Airlines such as Air India, Indigo, and SpiceJet have issued advisories informing passengers about delays and reroutes for flights to Mumbai due to the heavy rains. Air India stated on X, “Flight operations are impacted due to heavy rain in Mumbai. Consequently, some flights are canceled and rerouted. Air India offers a full refund or complimentary rescheduling for confirmed bookings on July 25, 2024.”
Source: aajtak
Similarly, Indigo issued a statement on X advising passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. Indigo’s statement read, “With continuous heavy rain in Mumbai, flight schedules face periodic delays. While we strive to provide real-time updates, please check your flight status before heading to the airport.”
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Assesses the Situation
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has reviewed the situation, communicating with divisional commissioners and other officials of Mumbai, Pune, and Thane, providing instructions for vigilance and relief activities. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) also posted on X, appealing to Mumbai residents to avoid stepping out until Friday morning due to the 'Red Alert'. The city has declared holiday for all schools and colleges, given the weather department’s red alert for Mumbai and neighboring Thane, Raigad, and Palghar districts.
