Pune Floods: Torrential Rains Claim 4 Lives, Army Deployed for Rescue

Pune, July 25, 2024 – Relentless rainfall has brought widespread devastation to Pune and its surrounding areas, resulting in at least four fatalities and severe flooding in numerous low-lying neighborhoods. On Thursday, authorities reported that the unprecedented deluge forced the evacuation of residents from affected housing societies across the city.

Over the past 24 hours, Lonavla recorded 300 mm of rainfall, Lavasa received 417 mm, and Junnar saw 214 mm, according to the district administration's data. These extreme conditions have led to catastrophic flooding, particularly in areas along the Mutha River, exacerbated by the release of water from the Khadakwasla dam.

Tragically, three young men—Abhishekh Ajay Ghanekar, Akash Vinayak Mane, and Shiva Parihar—lost their lives due to electrocution near Bhide Bridge in Pune city on Wednesday night. The trio, who ran an egg bhurji stall in the Deccan area, were electrocuted after electric current flowed into stagnant floodwater as they were closing their stall.

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In another incident, a landslide early Thursday morning in Adharwadi village claimed the life of Shivaji Bhairat, a resident of Mulshi. Jitendra Jambhurpane from Gondia, also residing in Mulshi, sustained injuries. Additionally, a mudslide near Lavasa city has trapped three villagers from Dasave village after burying two villas. Local police and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been dispatched for rescue efforts.

Pune District Collector Suhas Diwse reported, "We have confirmed four casualties so far—three from electrocution and one from a landslide. Rescue operations are ongoing for three individuals trapped in Lavasa city following a mudslide. We urge residents to stay indoors due to the heavy rainfall and worsening conditions."

The flooding has been further aggravated by the discharge of water from the Khadakwasla dam, which has led to the Mutha River overflowing and inundating low-lying areas along Sinhagad Road. By 11 am, the fire department had evacuated over 400 people from various housing societies.

In response to the crisis, the Indian Army has deployed a rescue and relief column to Ekta Nagar. This contingent includes infantry troops, an engineer task force, and medical personnel, all equipped with rescue boats and essential healthcare services. The Army's Southern Command is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to deploy additional columns as needed.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who also serves as Pune district's guardian minister, have been actively overseeing the flood response. Pawar highlighted the severity of the situation, noting, "Many areas in Pune are experiencing flood-like conditions due to the substantial water discharge from the Mutha River following the Khadakwasla dam overflow."

The Pune administration has declared a holiday for schools in Pune city, Pimpri Chinchwad, and the western parts of the district. Suhas Diwase has ordered the closure of all primary and secondary schools in the affected areas to ensure safety.

Fire brigade teams and personnel from the Pune Municipal Corporation's disaster management cell are actively working to rescue stranded residents. The severe flooding has led to significant disruptions, with affected areas including Sinhagad Road, Bavdhan, Baner, and Deccan Gymkhana.

Residents are advised to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, as rescue and relief operations continue amidst the ongoing torrential rains.