Pune Rains: Fire brigade rescues 70 people stranded in floodwaters as part of rescue and relief ops

Video sourced from fire brigade team


Amid heavy rainfall in Pune, the District Fire Brigade has rescued 70 individuals stranded in the floodwaters of the Nimbjanagar area. Scenes from the affected regions show the Pune Fire Brigade conducting extensive rescue and relief operations as the city remains submerged in above-knee-level water due to the torrential downpours.

The state of Maharashtra continues to reel under relentless rain, prompting Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to assess the situation on Thursday. Shinde has instructed the Raigad collector to extend full support to flood-hit residents and assured comprehensive assistance.

Traffic stands halted at Tamhini Ghat on the Raigad-Pune route because of a landslide caused by the heavy rains. Reports from Raigad Police indicate that traffic will remain suspended for several hours until the debris is cleared. CM Shinde confirmed that waterlogging persists on Pune roads and inside homes, and notified that the District Collector, Municipal Commissioner, and Police Commissioner are on high alert.

'There is water on the roads and inside houses in Pune. Widespread rainfall at Khadakwasla Dam and its catchment area exacerbates the situation. The District Collector, Municipal Commissioner, and Police Commissioner are on alert,' Shinde stated. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed, with army and air support teams on standby.

Shinde has urged residents to cooperate with evacuation orders, highlighting that an orange alert is in effect for Mumbai for the next few hours. 'I appeal to residents to comply with evacuation directives. An orange alert is issued for Mumbai for the next three hours. The Mumbai Municipal Commissioner is taking all necessary measures. 222 water pumps are operational to remove excess water,' Shinde said.

Additionally, water accumulation on railway tracks in Kurla and Ghatkopar areas has led to disruption, with efforts underway to reopen the Andheri subway. Shinde advised Mumbai residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary and confirmed that he has instructed the Raigad Collector to remain vigilant. Due to sustained heavy rains in Pune's Western Ghats, all schools and colleges in the region have declared a holiday.