Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) administration remained on round-the-clock alert on Tuesday after heavy rainfall triggered waterlogging and emergency situations across several parts of the city. The civic body received 37 emergency calls, all of which were attended to, with rescue teams helping 461 people reach safety.
According to the NMC’s fire and emergency services, the 37 calls included 21 complaints related to waterlogging, four incidents involving fallen trees and 12 rescue calls. Despite the rain-related incidents, the overall situation in the city was reported to be normal.
The Regional Meteorological Centre has forecast heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in Nagpur and issued a yellow alert for the city. Heavy rain is expected between July 28 and July 31, prompting the civic administration to intensify its preparedness, particularly in low-lying areas and settlements along rivers and drains.
Mayor Neeta Thakre appealed to residents living in vulnerable areas to remain cautious and immediately contact the NMC Fire Department or Disaster Management Department in case of an emergency.
Students rescued from waterlogged school premises
Among the major rescue operations was an incident in Khamla, where water accumulated inside the premises and on the road outside Somalwar School. Fire brigade personnel used ropes to safely evacuate students who were stranded due to the waterlogging.
NMC Standing Committee chairperson Shivani Dani Vakhare was present at the spot and assisted in the evacuation. She also interacted with parents and informed them about the rescue arrangements.
A similar waterlogging alert was received from a school in Narendra Nagar, following which fire brigade and disaster management personnel immediately reached the location and launched rescue operations.
Meanwhile, people stranded at the Ambazari Biodiversity Park were safely evacuated with the assistance of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
Mayor, civic chief inspect affected areas
Mayor Neeta Thakre and Municipal Commissioner Dr Vipin visited several parts of the city, including Narsala and Hudkeshwar, to assess the situation and interact with residents.
The mayor directed fire brigade, disaster management and zonal sanitation personnel to remain alert 24 hours a day and respond immediately to reports of water accumulation and other emergencies.
Senior civic officials, including Deputy Mayor Lila Hathibed, Standing Committee chairperson Shivani Dani Vakhare, Additional Commissioners Ankit and M. Muruganandham, Chief Engineer Leena Upadhye, Superintendent Engineer Manoj Talewar and officials from various zones also inspected affected areas and coordinated response measures.
Mayor Thakre also urged all corporators to remain available in their respective wards to assist residents amid the rain emergency.
City Operations Centre monitoring situation round the clock
The Atal Bihari Vajpayee City Operations Centre (COC) at NMC headquarters is functioning 24 hours a day to monitor the situation across Nagpur. Rescue teams are being directed from the centre based on information received from different parts of the city.
Chief Fire Officer Tushar Barahate said the department was receiving information about waterlogging in residential areas and initiating rescue operations promptly.
The administration has also arranged emergency services through all NMC zonal offices.
With the weather department forecasting more heavy rain, residents in low-lying areas and settlements along rivers and drains have been urged to exercise additional caution.
The District Collector’s office has also announced a holiday for schools on Wednesday, July 29, in view of the heavy rainfall warning.
