The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted very heavy rainfall for the Konkan region and adjacent ghat areas of Madhya Maharashtra, including Pune, on Friday, July 26. Additionally, isolated heavy rain is expected in the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions.
This prediction is due to a persistent cyclonic circulation over Gangetic West Bengal and adjacent Bangladesh, coupled with strong westerly winds along the west coast, the IMD stated in its latest forecast.
Heavy Rainfall in Pune:
In Pune, the torrential rains have resulted in the deaths of at least four people. Two individuals are feared trapped under debris following a landslide in Lavasa, while two others are reported missing and feared drowned in Katraj and Nanayan Peth.
Weather Alerts Issued:
Red Alert:
Raigad: Heavy to very heavy rainfall at several locations; extremely heavy rainfall likely in isolated areas.
Ratnagiri: Heavy to very heavy rainfall at several locations; extremely heavy rainfall likely in isolated areas.
Orange Alert:
Satara: Heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few locations; extremely heavy rainfall likely in isolated areas.
Palghar: There may be some areas with heavy to extremely severe rainfall.
Thane: Heavy to very heavy rainfall likely at a few places.
Mumbai: There may be some areas with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.Sindhudurg: Heavy to very heavy rainfall likely at a few places.
Pune: Extremely heavy rainfall expected in isolated ghat areas; moderate rain in plains likely.
Kolhapur: Heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated ghat areas; light to moderate rain in plains likely.
Pune Rain Alert Measures:
Schools in Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune city, and several taluks, including Bhor, Velha, Mulshi, Maval, Khadakwasla dam area, Khed, Junnar, and Ambegaon, will remain closed on July 26.
The heavy rainfall in the Panshet Dam catchment area has filled the reservoir to 83% capacity.
If the inflow continues to rise, water discharge from the dam is highly likely.
The irrigation department has issued an advisory to avoid entering riverbeds and to immediately move agricultural pumps, equipment, and animals, as water has been released from Khadakwasla Dam into the Mutha River.
Authorities reported that the Mulshi dam is at full capacity due to heavy rainfall, leading to the release of 640 cusecs of water into the Indrayani river basin from the dam’s spillway.
As a precautionary measure, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced the deployment of Army and NDRF forces in impacted areas such as Ekta Nagar on Sinhagad Road.
This situation demands caution and preparedness from the residents of Pune and other affected areas. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary actions to mitigate the impact of the heavy rainfall.
