Monsoon Havoc: Pune Faces Heavy Rain, Waterlogging, and Power Cuts
Monsoon Havoc: Pune Faces Heavy Rain, Waterlogging, and Power Cuts
The Southwest Monsoon made a dramatic entry into Pune district on Saturday, bringing intense rainfall of 101.7 mm in just 4.5 hours. This deluge resulted in widespread waterlogging, fallen trees, power outages, and significant traffic disruptions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the monsoon has reached parts of the district, including Baramati, spurred by the formation of strong clouds and thunder activity.
Shivajinagar was particularly hard-hit, receiving 67.4 mm of rain by 5:30 pm, with subsequent heavy downpours in Pashan (56.8 mm) and Lohegaon (18.9 mm). By 8:30 pm, Shivajinagar’s rainfall total reached 117.1 mm.
The heavy rains caused severe waterlogging in several areas, including Sinhgad Road, Pune University Road, Baner, Karve Road, Lohegaon, and the timber market area. In many places, water inundated houses and ground-level areas of housing societies.
The Fire Department responded to at least 15 reports of fallen trees, including significant waterlogging incidents in Pashan and Sinhgad Road.
Fire Brigade Public Relations Officer Nilesh Mahajan reported, “By 6 pm, we had received at least 15 calls for tree felling from across the city. Pashan saw up to 4 feet of waterlogging in a car showroom’s ground floor, and a similar situation occurred at a residential building on Sinhgad Road.”
Newly elected Member of Parliament Murlidhar Mohol noted, “Heavy rains have caused water to fill the parking lots of various societies, and the Pune fire brigade has been actively addressing these situations. With the rain slowing, rescue operations are accelerating.”
Heavy evening traffic ensued, with long queues in Shivajinagar, Peth areas, and Sinhgad Road. Areas such as Katraj, Bibwewadi, Pashan, and Sus also experienced intermittent power cuts.
Monsoon Progress in Maharashtra
Following its early onset in Kerala on May 31, the Southwest Monsoon’s advance has been keenly observed. Pune has been experiencing hot and humid mornings, followed by moderate to heavy rains in the afternoons and evenings. The IMD reported that the monsoon has progressed further in Maharashtra, including parts of Pune district, though it has yet to cover the entire city.
SD Sanap, head of the Weather and Forecasting division at IMD Pune, stated, “The monsoon has advanced in some parts of Maharashtra, including Pune district. However, we have not yet declared the monsoon onset over the entire city. Conditions are favorable for further advancement in the coming days.”
Former head of the Weather and Forecasting division, Anupam Kashyapi, added, “The Arabian branch of the monsoon is strengthening, aiding its advancement in Maharashtra. Although today’s progress was marginal, it is expected to bring more vigorous rainfall to various state regions, particularly in Konkan and Central Maharashtra.”
Ajit Pawar Orders Immediate Measures
Deputy Chief Minister and district guardian minister Ajit Pawar responded to the situation by coordinating with the Commissioner of Pune Municipal Corporation and Pune District Collector. He stated, “I have been briefed on the situation. Due to the heavy rainfall, water accumulation has disrupted daily life. The administration has been instructed to take urgent measures to assist citizens affected by the rain.”
