Monsoon Mayhem: 3 Die In Pune, 2 In Latur In Rain-Related Incidents

Pune and parts of Maharashtra witnessed an early onset of monsoon. The southwest monsoon made an entry into Pune, Mumbai, Solapur, and other parts of Maharashtra on Monday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert in Pune and a red alert in Konkan. Pune on Monday reported rainfall in the range of 20 mm to 41 mm between 8:30am and 5:30pm. The heavy rains were followed by gusty winds and thunderstorms. The heavy rains led to the death of five people across Maharashtra, out of which three deaths have been reported from Pune district alone and two from Latur.

Three people died in separate rain-related incidents in Pune district on Monday. A 49-year-old motorcyclist died on the spot after a tree fell on him on Samarth Path in Erandwane in the city around 7:15pm. A 75-year-old woman florist, died around 11:30am after a portion of an old building fell on her shop in Daund, which received 114 mm of rain in the 24 hours ending at 8:30am. In another case, a 26-year-old daily wage earner, who was hired for fishing work at Pait village near Rajgurunagar, died after lightning struck him around 2:30am.

In Latur district, two people died and six others were injured as lightning struck them while they were working in a farm at Mauje Gothala village in Ahmedpur taluka around 6:30pm.

According to the Climate Research Services in Pune, the city will experience moderate to heavy rain with a cloudy sky. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places in ghat areas.

The IMD has issued an advisory:

• Keep windows and doors closed during periods of strong wind.

• Drive slowly as visibility may be reduced and roads may be slippery due to the rain spells.

• Avoid travel during times of strong wind or lightning.

• Avoid using mobile phones and unplug electronic appliances during periods of lightning.

• Do not take shelter under trees during thundery or lightning activity.

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