Pune: Heavy rains accompanied by strong winds hit Pune and the surrounding regions, including Pimpri-Chinchwad, late Sunday (September 22) night, causing widespread disruption and damage.

The downpour, which began around 9 p.m., transformed streets into rivers within minutes, leaving residents scrambling to cope with the sudden weather change.

What started as a light drizzle quickly escalated into a powerful storm within 10 to 15 minutes. Thunder and lightning lit up the skies as gusty winds and torrential rain lashed the city.

The intense weather resulted in waterlogging across low-lying areas, creating difficulties for motorists.

Two-wheeler riders, in particular, struggled to maintain control of their vehicles as water levels rose on the streets. Several vehicles stalled due to the water accumulation, leading to traffic chaos in many parts of the city.

Residents of areas like Yerawada, Viman Nagar, Sahakar Nagar, and Kothrud-Sinhgad Road reported heavy rainfall, while the Pimpri-Chinchwad region, including Baner and Dighi, also experienced a significant deluge.

The intensity of the storm led to widespread power outages, with areas such as Narhe, Dhayari, Nanded City, Kirkatwadi, and Khadakwasla being particularly affected.

The electricity supply in these areas was deliberately cut off due to the risk posed by lightning and heavy winds.

In the heart of the city, the central areas, including the Peth regions, Swargate, Shivajinagar, and Parvati, were not spared.

Many streets turned into streams as the city’s drainage system struggled to cope with the sudden influx of water. Residents had a hard time navigating the roads, with vehicles often stuck in waterlogged areas.

The strong winds that accompanied the rain added to the damage, causing tents and materials used for Ganesh festival decorations to be swept away.

Organizers reported significant losses as bamboo structures, metal sheets, and festival fabrics were washed away in the rainwater.