Heavy Rain in Pune: Schools Closed Tomorrow, Mumbai on Red Alert

 ## Heavy Rains Cause Chaos in Pune, Mumbai on High Alert

Heavy and incessant rains have wreaked havoc in Pune, where at least four people have died in rain-related incidents. Several houses and residential societies in low-lying areas have been inundated, prompting the deployment of Army personnel to expedite the evacuation process.

### Key Points:

- Severe waterlogging in Pune and other Maharashtra cities.

- Schools and colleges in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad closed.

- Red and orange alerts issued across the state, flights delayed.

### Detailed Report:

Heavy rains continue to lash several cities in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune, Thane, and Palghar. The relentless downpour has led to significant waterlogging, traffic snarls, and delayed flights and train operations. As a precaution, the district administration has announced the closure of all schools and colleges in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad for July 26.

In Pune, several residential areas in Pimpri-Chinchwad have been flooded, resulting in four fatalities due to rain-related incidents. Pune's District Magistrate, Suhas Divsae, called in army personnel to aid local authorities in relief operations. So far, around 400 people have been evacuated, with two army columns deployed in the severely affected Sinhagad Road area.

### Emergency Response:

Teams from the NDRF, fire brigade, and local disaster management cells are actively involved in relief efforts. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has assured that if necessary, people will be airlifted from affected areas.

### Impact on Transportation:

Several airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, have issued advisories due to flight delays and cancellations caused by the heavy rains. Passengers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

### Government Actions:

State Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has instructed officials to maintain alertness and coordinate rescue and relief work. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has also appealed to residents to avoid unnecessary travel due to the red alert in Mumbai and neighboring districts.

### Additional Alerts:

The IMD has issued a red alert for Pune and other areas, predicting continued heavy rainfall. In Raigad, Palghar, and Kolhapur districts, similar alerts and school closures have been announced due to the severe weather conditions.