Pune flooded due to heavy rain, schools shut

Mumbai: Large stretches of the Maharashtra's Pune city and district faced inundation as the city received heavy overnight rainfall resulting in disruption of normal life even as the weather office sounded a "red alert" for Thursday.

Over 200 mm rainfall was received on Wednesday, the India Meteorological Department said.

The Pune district administration has instructed schools to remain shut for the day.

People could be seen wading through knee-deep and waist-deep water and vehicles including two-wheelers and four-wheelers were submerged on several low-lying roads.

Around 40,000 cusecs of water was discharged from the Khadakwasla Dam, said Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) have swung into action and are guiding people to safety.

Pune District Collector Dr Suhas Diwase is reviewing the situation.

“Due to heavy rainfall in Khadakwasla catchment area and inflow of water on a large scale, discharge in Mutha river basin has been increased to 40,000 cusecs,” Mohol said.

Announcements are being made for public to stay away from the banks of the river as water is being released from reservoirs.

“Citizens should be careful and stay safe,” said Mohol.

The hill stations of Pune - like Lavasa and Lonavla - received over 300 mm rainfall.

The Bhor, Velhe, Maval, Mulshi, Haveli talukas received heavy downpour, according to officials of Pune Divisional Commissioner’s office.

Mumbai’s suburban districts of Palghar-Thane-Raigad are also receiving heavy rainfall.

Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara districts of Western Maharashtra too received heavy downpour.