Monsoon havoc in Maharashtra, rain brings Mumbai to a standstill, chaos in Pune, schools closed, Army comes to rescue
Heavy and incessant rains have wreaked havoc in Pune, where at least four people died in rain-related incidents. Several houses and residential societies in low-lying areas of the city were inundated, following which Army personnel were called in to expedite the evacuation process.
The incessant rains have led to severe waterlogging in Pune and Kolhapur, affecting normal life and forcing schools to shut. The situation is also grim in Mumbai, which has received the second-highest rainfall ever in July and over 150 cm of rain overall.
Several residential areas in Pimpri-Chinchwad in Pune have been flooded, while four people have died in rain-related incidents in the district. Pune District Magistrate Suhas Divase has also called in Army personnel to assist the local administration to expedite relief operations.
Meanwhile, several airlines also issued an advisory, informing passengers that some of their flights to Mumbai have been delayed and rerouted due to heavy rains.
Air India said in a post on X, “Flight operations are being affected due to heavy rains in Mumbai and as a result some of our flights have been cancelled and rerouted. Air India is offering a full refund or a one-time complimentary rescheduling for confirmed bookings for travel on 25 July 2024.”
Similarly, IndiGo also issued a statement on X, advising passengers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport.
Heavy rains in Mumbai and its suburbs on Thursday
It is worth noting that Mumbai and its suburbs received heavy rains on Thursday, leading to waterlogging on roads in some areas. Due to this, traffic was disrupted and local train services were affected. Officials said that due to continuous rain in the catchment areas, Vihar and Modak Sagar lakes are overflowing. Along with this, four out of the seven reservoirs providing drinking water to the metropolis are now overflowing, which has improved the total water storage.
The water level of Mithi river has increased by 2.5 meters
The India Meteorological Department has predicted moderate to heavy rain in the city and suburbs from 8 am in the next 24 hours and heavy rain at some places. An official said that due to continuous rain, the water level of Mithi river flowing through the industrial center of the city has increased by 2.5 meters, while its danger mark is 4.2 meters. He said that 4.64 meter high waves are expected in the Arabian Sea at 2.51 pm. Powai and Tulsi lakes are already overflowing.
BMC declares holiday in schools, colleges
After the India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for Mumbai amid torrential rains, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday declared a holiday in all schools and colleges in the city. The civic body has urged schools to inform parents and take necessary precautions, an official said.
