On Wednesday, Pune witnessed heavy rainfall which led to a flood-like situation in many low-lying areas in and around the city. The city saw the most intense rain spell of this monsoon leading to waterlogging on roads and the catchment areas.

Such a terrifying cloud burst was unpredictable and shows a major sign that the earth’s atmosphere is now in real danger. Dr. Anupam Kashyapi, the Head of Weather & Air Pollution Monitoring Unit, IMD stated that the city of Pune has witnessed heavy rains due to local instability produced by an increase in the daytime temperature. The rising temperatures and high moisture levels at daytime have resulted in heavy rains coupled with thundering and lightning.

The city and parts of the suburb received more than 100 to 150mm rain last night. This flood-like situation resulted mainly due to the collapse of a wall of the Katraj Canal along with heavy rains in the city. There was huge traffic congestion on Hinjewadi and Wakad roads because of heavy rainfall. Also, several commuters, especially the employees of major IT companies got trapped in these areas due to waterlogged roads.

Around seven people have reported dead and several animals have fallen prey to this horrifying calamity. On the other hand, houses and vehicles have also been washed away. Moreover, the landslide at Katraj had completely blocked traffic on the Mumbai-Bangalore bypass. Naval Kishore Ram, the district collector of Pune has declared a day off to schools and colleges in 5 tehsil’s of Pune district following heavy rain in the region.

Ganesh Sonune, the Head of Disaster Management at PMC said that they have received many phone calls from citizens in Katraj Satara road, Dhankawadi and surrounding areas complaining about the water-logged roads and areas. The heavy rainfall between Warje to Katraj stretch have created a miserable condition for residents as well as commuters in these areas. He further added that the government is trying its best to resolve the issue.

Pankaj Deshmukh, the DCP traffic manager have requested Pune citizens to co-operate with Police personnel and avoid travelling on the Satar-Kolhapur road as these areas are still underwater. He strictly warns people not to indulge in any misadventures as the water has a heavy flow and can lead to dangerous accidents.