Maharashtra Faces Torrential Rainfall; Pune District Records 575mm

Intense rainfall has struck Maharashtra, particularly affecting Pune district, where Tamhini experienced an astonishing 575mm of rain in just 24 hours, according to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Lonavala followed closely with 418mm, significantly impacting local infrastructure and prompting safety measures across the region.

The heavy downpour also led to major disruptions in daily life. Schools in the ghat regions, including Velha, Bhor, Maval, Mulshi, Khed, Ambegaon, and Junnar talukas, were closed as a precautionary measure. Mulshi recorded an additional 162mm of rain, raising concerns about potential landslides. Disaster management officials executed precautionary evacuations in Mulshi taluka, relocating 11 families—nine from Mauje Padalghar and two from Ramnagar—to Lavasa City.

Rescue efforts were necessary in Ambegaon taluka, where five individuals were trapped at a crematorium on the banks of the Ghod River. They were successfully rescued with the aid of a boat on Wednesday.

Widespread Impact Across the State

The rainfall has not only affected Pune but has also caused significant disruptions elsewhere in Maharashtra. Bhira recorded 568mm of rain, while Davdi and Dongerwadi received 419mm and 373mm, respectively. In light of these conditions, traffic disruptions have been reported within Pune city, including the temporary closure of key roads such as the riverside route from Rajput slum to municipal headquarters and the Shivane-Nanded City road.

A landslide at Ambade Ghat in Bhor taluka was quickly managed, allowing for the swift restoration of traffic. The ghats of Pune and surrounding districts have emerged as the wettest areas, with Madhya Maharashtra experiencing the most rain in the country as of Wednesday morning.

Heavy rainfall has also impacted the Konkan and Goa regions. Matheran in Raigad recorded 440mm, while Panvel, Karjat, and Bhiwandi each received 230mm. Other notable rainfall amounts included 220mm at various locations such as Thane and Vikramgad.

Authorities Respond to Flood Risks

In response to the ongoing heavy rainfall, authorities have issued alerts for the Krishna basin. Due to rising water levels and discharge from the Krishna and Ghataprabha rivers, the inflow to Almatti dam has increased from 200,000 cusecs to 250,000 cusecs by 09:00 on Wednesday.

In Ratnagiri district, heavy waterlogging led to traffic suspensions on several roads, including the Dapoli-Khed and Jalgaon-Gavatlya routes. Meanwhile, in Sangli city, emergency services evacuated 471 people from flood-affected areas before water could enter their homes. Many were moved to relatives’ houses, while others found shelter in municipal facilities.

As of now, a total of 4,179 people have been evacuated across Maharashtra, with Raigad seeing the highest number at 1,332. Several rivers in the state have surpassed danger and warning levels, including the Jagbudi and Kodvali in Ratnagiri, and the Vaitran and Pinjal in Palghar.

The current weather situation underscores the need for continued vigilance and preparedness as authorities and residents navigate the challenges posed by these extreme weather conditions.