Pune: A powerful storm accompanied by lightning brought heavy rainfall to Pimpri-Chinchwad and surrounding areas, creating significant challenges for residents on Sunday (August 18).

The intense downpour resulted in extensive waterlogging on roads, leading to slowed traffic and congestion in multiple locations.

The day began with oppressive heat, but by 5 PM, dark clouds had gathered, and by 6 PM, the skies opened up with torrential rain.

The affected areas included Pimpri, Chinchwad, Nigdi, Akurdi, Bhosari, Moshi, Talwade, Chikhali, Dapodi, Sangvi, Pimple Gurav, Pimple Nilakh, Rahatani, and Hinjewadi, among others.

The sudden and heavy rainfall overwhelmed the drainage systems, causing flooding on streets and in alleyways. Many residents, unprepared for the downpour after several days of dry weather, were caught off guard without raincoats or umbrellas. The rain forced many to seek shelter under bridges or trees, as it continued into the night.

Traffic on the old Mumbai-Pune highway, particularly from Nigdi to Dapodi, was severely impacted as numerous two-wheeler riders stopped under the grade separators to avoid the rain.

Underpasses in Akurdi near Bajaj Gate, Kalbhornagar, and Vallabhnagar were inundated, forcing drivers to navigate through challenging conditions.

Shopping Disruptions

The timing of the rain on Sunday, a day many families used to shop ahead of the Raksha Bandhan festival on Monday (August 19), added to the disruption.

Markets in Pimpri, Chinchwad, Bhosari, Sangvi, Dapodi, and Akurdi were crowded with shoppers, but the sudden rain led to chaos, with both customers and shopkeepers struggling to cope. Many were stranded in markets or on streets as the rain intensified.

Flooding in Old Sangvi

In Old Sangvi, the evening storm, which brought thunder and heavy rain, caused severe waterlogging on the roads, creating difficulties for pedestrians.

The flooding, particularly in areas like Chandramani Nagar Chowk, Pawana Riverbank Road, Krishna Temple Math, Pawar Nagar, Shitole Nagar Shivanjali Corner, and Pawar Nagar Lane No. 1, raised concerns about the effectiveness of post-monsoon drainage systems, with residents forced to wade through waterlogged streets.