Pune: Heavy Rains Lash City Causing Severe Waterlogging, IMD Says Not Due to Monsoon
Heavy rains lashed Pune on Sunday evening causing widespread flooding
Pune, August 19, 2024 – Pune, has been coping with sudden and heavy rains over the past few days, causing severe waterlogging and traffic congestion across the city. The situation, worsened on Sunday, August 18, and has attracted widespread attention as videos of flooded roads and stranded vehicles continue to circulate on social media.
The heavy rains, which began on Friday, have caused a lot of disruption in various parts of Pune. Areas like Wadgaonsheri reported over 111 mm of rainfall, while Lohegaon received 48 mm, reported India Meteorological Department (IMD). On Saturday, Hadapsar recorded 126 mm of rainfall, with the Magarpatta area receiving 63 mm.
Viral Videos of Waterlogged Roads
One of the most widely discussed incidents was captured in a video taken from inside a Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) bus near the Empress Botanical Garden. The footage shows the bus traveling through heavily waterlogged streets, with vehicles stranded in the middle of the road. The scene has triggered widespread criticism of the city’s infrastructure.
Another viral video shows the entrance of Pune railway station submerged in water, causing a lot of inconvenience to passengers. The location of the station has come under scrutiny, with many questioning its suitability given the recurring issues with waterlogging.
Social media has been flooded with reactions from frustrated residents. Comments range from sarcastic remarks about using boats instead of buses during the rains to critiques of the city’s status as a “smart city” given its recurring rain-related issues.
Traffic Congestion and Local Impact
The heavy downpour has caused widespread traffic congestion, particularly in areas like Yerawada, Kalyaninagar, Koregaon Park, and Wanowrie. Commuters faced difficulties traveling through waterlogged streets, with many areas experiencing slow-moving traffic and large jams.
In the Swargate area, the timber market suffered losses as water entered shops, damaging goods. Videos circulated online showing residents and workers struggling to protect vehicles and materials from the water.
Not Monsoon, But Local Weather Conditions
According to weather experts, the current rainfall is not anything similar to a monsoon pattern but is associated with local weather conditions, including the development of thunderstorm clouds in the afternoon and evening. Experts have said that this type of weather pattern, characterized by heavy downpour in the evening, differs from the usual monsoon, which typically involves cloudy conditions and continuous rainfall throughout the day.
