Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) disaster management helpline was inundated with calls from distressed citizens on Saturday evening, as a torrential downpour led to severe waterlogging, flooding, and the emergence of numerous potholes across the city.
The helpline received at least 350 calls, highlighting the widespread impact of the heavy rainfall. The PMC has responded to the surge in complaints by deploying additional staff at the ward level. “We have allocated more manpower to specific ward offices based on the severity of the issues reported,” a PMC official stated. Residents can report their grievances through the helpline numbers 02025506800 and 02025501269. Shivajinagar recorded an unprecedented 101.7mm of rainfall within a span of 2-3 hours on Saturday evening, marking the highest single-day rainfall for June in over three decades. The last instance of such heavy rainfall in the month was on June 8, 1991, with 123.3mm.
The intense rainstorm wreaked havoc on Pune’s infrastructure, causing massive traffic jams due to extensive waterlogging. Several trees were uprooted, and many low-lying areas were submerged under knee-deep water. The deluge also led to significant disruptions in rail and air travel, with nearly 20 flights delayed. Local residents expressed their frustration with the PMC’s management of the situation, particularly criticising the inadequate cleaning of nullahs. “Commuting becomes perilous during the monsoon season because of waterlogged roads,” an autorickshaw driver lamented. “For people like me, who need to travel to all parts of the city to pick up or drop off passengers, there’s always a risk of vehicle damage or injuries during the monsoon.”
The PMC’s efforts to mitigate the aftermath of the rainstorm include increased personnel deployment and targeted responses to the most affected areas. However, the scale of the problems faced by citizens underscores the need for more robust pre-monsoon preparations and infrastructure improvements to handle such extreme weather events effectively. The unprecedented rainfall event serves as a stark reminder of Pune’s vulnerability to monsoon-induced disruptions and the critical importance of efficient urban planning and disaster management strategies. As the city navigates these challenges, the PMC’s responsiveness and preparedness will be key to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.
