PUNE, JULY 26 : The emergency services of Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) is equipped with state-of-the-art systems to deal with the situation arising out of heavy rains in Pune district.

PMRDA Commissioner Dr Yogesh Mhase said that he has instructed the authorities that the rescue work has to be started along with the fire brigade and the emergency plans should be implemented immediately.

He said due to heavy rain in Pune and some others parts of Maharashtra a flood-like situation have been created in Ekta Nagar and surrounding areas within the Municipal Corporation limits of Pune.

Dr Mhase said as part of rescue operations, a PMRDA team, 3 teams of fire brigade along with 2 rubber boats, and rescue equipment have sent to the affected areas.

Apart from these teams, the fire brigade of the municipal corporation has been cooperaing for the rescue operation, the PMRDA Commissioner said.

Giving the details of flood situation, he said that in Sus and Bavdhan areas, rain water has entered in the buildings of large number of residents. Therefore, keeping this in mind, rescue work has been started immediately through the fire brigade. A tree fell on the road at Kirkatwadi causing a large traffic disruption which was removed and the vehicular traffic is moving smoothly.

Two teams from Wagholi fire station have been sent as standby in Vishrantwadi area. Due to large amount of water discharge from Khadkawasla dam, due to back water, the road was closed by tying ropes on the Nanded, Shivne bridge, he added .

A total of seven people trapped in a residential building in Shantinagar were rescued safely. PMRDA Chief Fire Officer Devendra Potfode along with fire officials and jawans are keeping a close eye on the situation, he said . The Fire Service Department of PMRDA is equipped with sophisticated systems to provide services in case of floods, landslides, fall of trees in Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority area, he added.

The Commissioner said that officials of PMRDA have given instructions to keep in touch with the district agencies and work in mutual coordination and cooperation and to follow the instructions given by the district administration immediately. Citizens should not go out out of the house except for very important work, and also take necessary precautions, said Dr Mhase.(UNI)