Rain triggers flood in Nashik district, one dead; police issue alert

Nashik: Incessant rains pummelled the city and other parts of district on the third consecutive day on Tuesday, triggering flood in Godavari river which has crossed the danger mark in the city.

Many rivers across the district are also in spate due to heavy rains.

While one elderly woman was killed in wall collapse in the district, a couple is feared washed away in flash flood in Umrale village.

Unabated downpour which gained intensity in last 48 hours, caused waterlogging in areas like Ramwadi, Bohorpatti, Bhandi Bazar, Saraf Bazar and in some slum pockets.

As authorities released water from Gangapur dam, the river level rose significantly, causing many bridges in Old Nashik area to undergo water.

"Irrigation department released thousands of cusecs of water from Gangapur, Darna, Palkhed and other dams following heavy incessant rain. This caused flood in Darna, Kadva and other rivers in the district," said an official from district collectorate.

The Nashik City Police took to Twitter to apprise the natives of the situation due to heavy rainfall.

Security Warning : 42000 cusecs water@05:00 pm is released from Gangapur dam. Keep you and your family safe!! pic.twitter.com/bqlF9pOkm8 — Nashik City Police (@nashikpolice) August 2, 2016

1/1. Heavy rain in #Nashik request to all
●Don't get panic
●Help everyone
●Don't spread rumors
●Avoid shortcuts, bridges — Nashik City Police (@nashikpolice) August 2, 2016

1/2@nashikpolice Heavy rain in #Nashik request to all
●Take bigger roads, highways
●Don't stand near to tree or old structures — Nashik City Police (@nashikpolice) August 2, 2016

In Nashik city, Godavari river water gushed into many areas adjacent to the river.

Many ancient temples located on the banks of the river submerged due to flood while few steps of famous Naroshankar temple near 'Ramkund' are also under water.

The administration has already alerted people staying in vicinity of the river to move to safer places as more water is likely to released from Gangapur dam in night.

 

Authorities have declared holidays to schools and colleges for two days in view of rains.

Senior officials, including Police Commissioner S Jagannathan and Collector Radhakrishanan are closely monitoring the flood situation.

Meanwhile, heavy rush of people to witness flood caused traffic snarls in areas like Someshwar, Old Nashik, Holkar Bridge, etc.

According to an official, all seven doors of Nandur Madhmeshwar dam were opened today, which caused flood water to gush into Chandori and Saykheda villages.

The administration has sought help of 300 Army jawans to meet any eventuality, especially in Chandori village.

In a rain-related mishap, a 75-year-old-woman was killed when wall of her house collapsed at Induri village in Dindori taluka.

A couple, identified as Ashok Karate and his wife Sakhubai, are feared washed away in flood at Umrale village, an official said.In late evening, police closed for traffic the 150-year-old Victoria bridge as a precautionary measure in view of flood.

An 18-month-old toddler who was trapped in his shanty near Khetwani Lawns on Untwadi Road due to water-logging, was rescued by police, a senior officer said.

The rain fury caused gushing of water into basement of a mall.

Civic corporation has shifted people living near the river to schools and community halls in view of flood, stated a press release.

(With PTI inputs)