Torrential Rains Cause Devastation in Pune: Four Dead, Army Dispatched for Rescue

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“Photos courtesy PRO Nagpur, Ministry of Defense via X”

Pune, July 25: Pune and its surrounding areas have been ravaged by relentless rainfall, leading to significant destruction and claiming at least four lives. The heavy rains have submerged many houses in low-lying regions and forced the evacuation of residents from affected housing societies.

In the 24-hour period ending at 7:30 am, Lonavla recorded 300 mm of rainfall, Lavasa received 417 mm, and Junnar experienced 214 mm, according to the district administration.

Tragically, three young men were electrocuted near Bhide Bridge in Pune city on Wednesday night. The victims—Abhishekh Ajay Ghanekar, Akash Vinayak Mane, and Shiva Parihar—were operating an egg bhurji stall in the Deccan area when electric current from stagnant floodwater caused their deaths.

Separately, a landslide early Thursday morning in Adharwadi village resulted in one fatality and one injury. Shivaji Bhairat, a resident of Mulshi, was killed, and Jitendra Jambhurpane from Gondia, currently residing in Mulshi, was injured.

In Lavasa city, a mudslide trapped three people from Dasave village, burying two villas. Local police and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been mobilized for rescue operations.

Pune District Collector Suhas Diwse reported, “We have confirmed four casualties—three due to electrocution and one from a landslide. Additionally, three individuals are trapped in Lavasa city following the mudslide. Rescue operations are underway.”

Diwse has urged residents to remain indoors amid the severe weather. Flooding has worsened due to the release of water from Khadakwasla dam, which has caused the Mutha River to overflow and inundate low-lying areas.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the guardian minister for Pune district, have been closely monitoring the situation. Pawar commented, “Many areas in Pune are facing flood-like conditions due to the discharge from the Mutha River after the Khadakwasla dam began overflowing.”

In response to the crisis, the Pune administration has advised private establishments to grant employees a holiday due to the severe weather conditions. Areas such as Sinhagad Road, Bavdhan, Baner, and Deccan Gymkhana are experiencing severe flooding, with the fire brigade and Pune Municipal Corporation’s disaster management cell working to rescue stranded residents.

The rising water levels of the Mutha River, exacerbated by record rains and substantial water discharge from Khadakwasla dam, have led to extensive flooding in housing societies, particularly along Sinhagad Road. By 11 am, over 400 people had been evacuated from various housing societies.

In response to the escalating situation, the Indian Army has dispatched a rescue and relief column to Ekta Nagar. The contingent includes infantry troops, an engineer task force, and medical personnel equipped with rescue boats and essential healthcare services.

An Army statement confirmed, “Additional Army columns are on standby and ready to deploy as needed. The Southern Command is coordinating closely with civil administration and other government agencies.”

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

“We have deployed fire brigade and disaster management personnel in low-lying areas. Residents are advised to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary,” Diwase added.

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