Nagpur: A staggering 60mm of rain battered Nagpur within three hours on Wednesday evening, catching residents off guard, overwhelming roads and drainage systems, inundating low-lying areas, and causing widespread traffic disruptions.According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city had recorded only about 2mm of rainfall during the morning, but the intense evening downpour pushed the day’s total to 62.2mm by 11.30pm.The downpour turned several flyovers into cascading waterfalls. Rainwater gushed off the LIC flyover on Kamptee Road with such force that it posed a hazard to two-wheeler riders passing below. Internal roads in several localities were waterlogged, while overflowing drains sent water into homes in Teka, off Kamptee Road.The Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s fire department remained busy throughout the evening, responding to calls related to waterlogging, fallen trees and flooded houses. Fire personnel pumped out water and cleared uprooted trees from roads across the city.The rain also exposed the city’s battered road network. Commuters struggled through inundated stretches as potholes concealed beneath rainwater slowed traffic and heightened the risk of accidents. Residents reported severe waterlogging on the Kadbi Chowk–Dhobi Nagar stretch, leading to long traffic snarls. Residential pockets of Dharampeth were also inundated.The Lohapul underpass near Sitabuldi was once again submerged, forcing motorists to proceed cautiously. “The Lohapul underpass gets flooded even after a brief spell of rain, causing severe inconvenience to commuters. The issue has been raised repeatedly, but the persistent waterlogging remains unresolved. Citizens are frustrated by this recurring problem, and the authorities must take immediate and lasting action,” said Faizan Ahmed Khan, a daily commuter.The IMD has forecast continued rainfall over the next four days. An orange alert has been issued for Nagpur on Thursday and Friday, indicating the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rain, followed by a yellow alert for the subsequent two days.The rain comes as a welcome respite after Nagpur ended June with a 31% monsoon rainfall deficit following a delayed onset of the season by more than a week. The spell is expected to improve reservoir levels and provide much-needed relief to farmers preparing for the kharif season.The IMD’s July outlook has further raised hopes, forecasting above-normal rainfall across Nagpur and the rest of Vidarbha after an uncertain start to the monsoon.
