Sudden Downpour Floods Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, Disrupting Traffic and Daily Life

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande

Pune, 18th August 2024: After a period of relatively calm weather, the rain in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad returned with a vengeance today, disrupting weekend plans for many residents. The day began with clear skies, but by late afternoon, heavy rainfall had struck both cities. With the long weekend in full swing, many plans for a fun-filled Sunday were washed away.

In Pune, areas like the Peths, Katraj, Sinhagad Road, Dhayari, Karve Nagar, Kothrud, and Hadapsar were hit hard by the downpour. Streets quickly became waterlogged, forcing people out for various reasons to take shelter as the rain showed no signs of stopping. Many, especially two-wheeler riders, were caught off guard by the flooding, which led to vehicles getting stuck and traffic snarls in several areas.

Despite the disruption, some residents found the rain to be a welcome relief after days of extreme humidity and heat, which created a more pleasant atmosphere. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Pune over the next 2-3 days, with an orange alert predicted for the 21st of August.

Heavy Downpour in Pimpri Chinchwad:

Around 5 PM, heavy rains, similar to those in Pune City, hit the Pimpri Chinchwad area. Residents of Pimpri, Chinchwad, Nigdi, Akurdi, Ravet, Bhosari, Moshi, Talawade, Chikhali, Dapodi, Sangvi, Pimple Gurav, Pimple Nilakh, Pimple Saudagar, Rahatani, Wakad, and Hinjawadi were affected. The situation resembled a cloudburst, with widespread waterlogging in every area. Underpasses were submerged, and traffic congestion was severe. Sangvi, Pimple Nilakh, and Pimple Saudagar received particularly heavy rainfall, with significant water accumulation on the Aundh-Ravet BRTS Road.