By Views Now News Desk | July 6-7, 2026
MUMBAI/PUNE — The southwest monsoon has unleashed its most devastating spell over Maharashtra, turning rivers into raging torrents, submerging low-lying neighborhoods, and triggering a multi-agency rescue operation across the state. At least **five persons have died** in rain-related incidents since Saturday, while thousands have been evacuated from flood-hit districts including Pune, Nashik, Sangli, Kolhapur, Raigad, and Ratnagiri.
In a dramatic rescue near **Zenith Waterfall**, more than 100 tourists trapped by rapidly rising floodwaters were saved after local villagers formed human rope chains to pull them to safety — a testament to community courage amid the crisis.
Pune: Army Called In as Khadakwasla Dam Overflows
Pune — often considered the state's cultural and educational capital — has borne the brunt of this deluge. The Khadakwasla Dam catchment received relentless rainfall, forcing irrigation authorities to increase water discharge to a staggering 45,000 cusecs on Sunday. Downstream neighborhoods bore the impact.
Ekta Nagar on Sinhgad Road witnessed some of the worst flooding. The Pune District Magistrate formally requested one Column of the Indian Army to be pre-positioned in the area as water from the overflowing dam swamped residential colonies. Fire brigade personnel were deployed at Dwarka Society and surrounding localities as water levels rose alarmingly.
Elsewhere in the city:
- Mutha River — An unidentified man was swept away by gushing currents near the Deccan area in the early hours of Monday. A search operation is underway.
- Khed taluka — The boundary wall of a commercial complex collapsed due to incessant rainfall, flooding several shops. No casualties were reported.
- Pimpri-Chinchwad — Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited affected areas and distributed relief material.
- Schools and colleges across vulnerable zones remained shut as authorities urged residents to avoid rivers and waterfalls.
Nashik: Godavari in Spate, Red Alert Issued
In Nashik, the Godavari River swelled to dangerous levels, inundating temples and low-lying neighborhoods. The flood level was so severe that water reached the chest level of the iconic "Dutondya Maruti" idol — a historic marker used for generations to measure flood severity.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for Nashik district, warning of extremely heavy rainfall in the coming hours. Water discharge from the Gangapur dam has been reduced as rains temporarily eased, bringing some relief.
Raigad & Ratnagiri: Rivers Cross Danger Mark
In Raigad district, the Gandhari and Savitri rivers in Mahad are rising steadily, triggering fears of inundation in low-lying areas. Disaster management teams and police have been placed on high alert, and residents have been advised to prepare for evacuation.
