Pune Floods: 20-Day-Old Baby Rescued Amid Khadakwasla Dam Water Release

A dramatic rescue operation was undertaken in Pune's Ekta Nagar on Friday, as a 20-day-old baby was saved from a flooded residential area. The flooding occurred after the Khadakwasla Dam released a large quantity of water, following heavy rainfall in the dam's catchment area.

The water release from the dam was increased from 35,574 cusecs to 43,571 cusecs at around 3 pm on Friday, causing floodwaters to enter three housing societies in Ekta Nagar along Sinhgad Road. A video of the rescue shows residents wading through knee-deep floodwater, while a security guard carefully carries the newborn to a safer location.

According to the Pune Municipal Corporation's disaster management department, nearly 40 families have been shifted to safer locations. The flooding has affected low-lying areas along the Mutha River, prompting evacuation measures.

The heavy rainfall has also impacted Kolhapur district, where the Radhanagari Dam has reached full capacity. Authorities have released water from the dam, with 2,856 cusecs being released through the gates and 1,400 cusecs from the powerhouse, taking the total discharge to 4,256 cusecs.

District authorities have reported that 35 weirs across Kolhapur are currently submerged, including those on the Panchganga, Kasari, Bhogavati, Kumbhi, Dudhganga, Warna, Vedganga and Hiranyakeshi rivers. Several other dams in the district have also reported high storage levels, with some nearing capacity and others having reached full storage.

The situation is being closely monitored by authorities, who have urged residents living near riverbanks and low-lying areas to remain alert as water levels continue to fluctuate. The controlled releases from the reservoirs are expected to continue, and residents have been advised to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

The flooding in Pune and Kolhapur is a reminder of the importance of disaster management and preparedness. The rescue of the 20-day-old baby is a testament to the bravery and quick thinking of the security guard and the rescue team.

As the situation continues to unfold, residents are advised to stay tuned to local news and follow the instructions of the authorities. The flooding has caused significant disruption to daily life, and it is essential that residents take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

In conclusion, the flooding in Pune and Kolhapur is a serious situation that requires immediate attention. The rescue of the 20-day-old baby is a heartening story, and it highlights the importance of community and resilience in the face of adversity.

The flooding has also raised questions about the preparedness of the authorities and the infrastructure in place to deal with such situations. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential that the authorities take necessary steps to ensure that residents are safe and that the flooding is brought under control.

The impact of the flooding will be felt for some time, and it is essential that residents and authorities work together to mitigate the effects and prevent such situations in the future.