Floods in Kalyan; 1,500 evacuated

Incessant rains from Monday led to waterlogging in many areas of Kalyan, prompting the Kalyan Dombivali Municipal corporation (KDMC) to evacuate nearly 1,500 people from their homes and house them at temporary shelters. Few incidents of wall and slab collapse were reported from the suburb. There were no casualties.

"On Tuesday, Kalyan received 216mm of rains which flooded many places and continuous downpour on Wednesday did not allow the water to recede. We started evacuation from Tuesday night as we were worried that the high tide would result in flooding in more areas," said KDMC Commissioner Ramnath Sonawane.

The official said the evacuated persons have been shifted into makeshift shelters in schools. "We have also provided them with food and medical facilities," said Sonawane.

Officials said residents of localities like Anupam Nagar, Govindwadi, Waldhuni, Retibunder, Bhavani Nagar, Ambivali were shifted to safer areas for fear of surging water. "We request residents to not step out of their house during floods and ensure that there are no open wounds while walking in the rains as it may lead to Leptospirosis," Sonawane.

The authorities have already started providing medical check-ups and distributing free medicines to ensure that there is no spread of diseases. "The water started receding from Wednesday afternoon. Hopefully the situation will be under control unless there is another spate of showers," added Sonawane.