The torrential rain in various states of the country has left people struggling. Alarming visuals have surfaced from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. Many cities in these states have been submerged. Pune in Maharashtra experienced such heavy rain on Thursday that several residential areas were flooded. Similar conditions were observed in many parts of MP and Gujarat. Roads have turned into rivers. Given the rain alert in Pune, orders have been issued to close all schools and colleges tomorrow. The situation is so dire that the army has taken over rescue operations.
Why Pune is Facing Severe Floods
After heavy rain in Pune, 40,000 cusecs of water was released from the Khadakwasla Dam due to overflowing. Residents allege that the administration did not provide adequate warning, causing water to reach residential areas by midnight. Societies in the lower areas of the city were submerged. Images of floating cars are going viral on social media. The situation has become so unmanageable that water and electricity supplies have been cut off in many parts of Pune since last night. The administration has advised people to stay indoors.
Ajit Pawar Holds Meetings
In view of the worsening situation in Pune due to the rain, Deputy CM and in-charge minister Ajit Pawar is holding continuous meetings. The district administration has declared holidays in schools due to the floods. Not just Pune city, but the areas of Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maval, and Lonavala in the district are also severely affected by the relentless rain.
Water Fills 960-Year-Old Shiva Temple
Rainwater has also filled the 960-year-old Shiva temple in Ambernath, Maharashtra. The idol and Shivling in the temple are submerged. The Valdhuni River flows near the Shiva temple. Due to the heavy rain, the water flow in the river has increased. Ambernath Taluka has been experiencing heavy rain for the past two days, causing rivers and streams to overflow. If the rain persists, the city is likely to face flooding.
Source: aajtak
Army Deployed for Rescue in Pune
Several units of the Indian Army have been deployed to evacuate and relocate affected people in Pune. So far, approximately 400 people have been rescued. Officials said that two army units have been deployed in the severely affected Sinhagad Road area. Additionally, teams from NDRF, the Fire Department, and district and city disaster management cells are also participating in the relief operations. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has stated that if necessary, rain-affected people will be airlifted to Pune.
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Mumbai Faces Severe Conditions
Like Pune, Mumbai too has streets that have turned into seas due to rain. Tonight, heavy rain warning has been issued for Mumbai. Due to the rain, three express trains running between Mumbai and Pune have been canceled. Andheri received the highest rainfall with 157 mm. Following this, BMC has ordered all schools and colleges to remain closed today. The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Palghar, Thane, and Mumbai.
Impact Seen in Gujarat
Relentless rain in Gujarat, adjacent to Maharashtra, has created havoc. Kutch and Saurashtra are experiencing the heaviest rain. Over 4,000 people have been relocated from seven districts so far. The flood and rain have claimed 63 lives in Gujarat. The situation in Banaskantha, Gujarat is also severe due to the rain. Several areas in Madhya Pradesh are submerged. Heavy rain in Katni district has led to floods in Dhimar-kheda and Bahori-band tehsils. Many villages have turned into islands, with people camping on their rooftops. SDRF teams have been deployed for rescue operations.