Pune is currently under an orange alert as heavy rains continue to lash the district, leading to a flood-like situation in several villages and causing significant traffic disruptions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued the orange alert, forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall for the next two days, specifically May 26 and 27, followed by a yellow alert on May 28 and 29, indicating continued rainfall activity. The orange alert signifies the likelihood of moderate to heavy rainfall, ranging from 64.4mm to 124.4mm.
The recent downpour has already wreaked havoc in various parts of Pune, particularly in the Baramati and Indapur tehsils. Baramati recorded a staggering 83.6 mm of rain, while Indapur received 35.7 mm, leading to severe waterlogging and disrupting normal life. The Pune-Solapur highway (NH-65) near Indapur was temporarily closed due to waterlogging, causing traffic snarls. However, traffic has now resumed after the water receded.
The heavy rains have not only affected transportation but have also inundated residential areas. In Indapur, rainwater entered approximately 70 homes, while in Baramati, around 150 homes were affected. Nineteen houses in Baramati suffered partial structural damage. Prompt action by local authorities and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) ensured the safe evacuation of residents to safer locations. In a dramatic rescue, a family of seven was saved from their waterlogged home in Katewadi by locals and officials. Similarly, in Jalochi village, the fire brigade rescued a man named Rupesh Singh after his motorcycle was swept away by a stream.
In response to the severity of the situation, the NDRF has deployed two specialized teams to Baramati and Indapur to conduct rescue and relief operations. These teams are equipped to handle flood-like situations and provide assistance to those affected. The deployment was prompted by breaches in water canals, leading to severe inundation in low-lying residential areas. The rising water levels in the Kara River (Baramati) and the Neera River (Indapur) further intensified the risk, necessitating urgent evacuation measures.
The heavy rainfall has also led to a drop in temperature across Pune. Shivajinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 28°C, while Lohegaon recorded 29.3°C, both significantly below normal. The unseasonal rains have been attributed to the southwest monsoon, which has progressed into parts of Maharashtra, and the presence of weather systems over Madhya Maharashtra. The IMD forecasts that Pune will continue to experience rainfall until May 31.
Several areas in Pune are particularly prone to waterlogging during heavy rains. These include Shivajinagar, Kothrud, Koregaon Park, Karve Road (near Nal Stop and Karishma Society), Paud Road (near Dashabhuja Ganpati temple and Kothrud depot), Warje flyover stretch, Bibwewadi (Gangadham and Market Yard areas), Swargate junction, Sahakar Nagar Road (near Dandekar Bridge), Pimpri-Chinchwad areas (Nashik Phata, Bhosari MIDC, Chinchwad Gaon, and parts of Rahatani Road), and low-lying areas near Warje and Bavdhan on the Pune-Bengaluru Highway (NH-48). These areas are often flagged by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) as critical points during the monsoon due to inadequate stormwater drains, encroachments on natural nullahs, silt-filled drainage lines and low-lying geography.
Given the prevailing weather conditions, citizens are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. The IMD has cautioned people to avoid taking shelter under trees and to exercise caution while driving.
