2024 Lonavala waterfall tragedy
| Date | 30 June 2024 |
|---|---|
| Location | Lonavala, Maharashtra, India |
| Deaths | 5 |
The 2024 Lonavala waterfall tragedy occurred on June 30, 2024, when five people, including four children, were swept away by sudden flooding near a waterfall close to Bhushi Dam in Lonavala, Maharashtra, India.[1][2]
Tragedy
[edit]On the day of the incident, 16-17 family members from Sayyad Nagar in Pune’s Hadapsar area were having a picnic near the waterfall. The group trekked about 2 km up the hilly area adjacent to the Bhushi Dam.[3]
Due to intense rainfall, the water level rose suddenly, catching the picnickers off guard. Ten people were swept away by the strong currents, but five were rescued by nearby villagers and official rescuers.[2][4]
Response and Safety Measures
[edit]Following the incident, the Pune district administration imposed prohibitory orders at several popular picnic spots, including Bhushi Dam and the Pavana Dam, to ensure the safety of tourists. These orders are effective from July 2 to July 31, 2024.[5][6]
Additional safety measures include the deployment of lifeguards, installation of warning signs, and strict monitoring of visitor activities in hazardous areas.
Public Reaction
[edit]The tragedy has led to widespread grief and raised concerns about the safety of popular tourist destinations in the region. Locals and tourists alike have called for better safety infrastructure and more stringent regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.[7]
The incident has also prompted discussions on social media about the responsibility of tourists to heed safety warnings and the need for authorities to enforce safety protocols more rigorously.
References
[edit]- ^ "5 from a Pune family drown in Lonavala waterfall". Indian Express. 2 July 2024. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
- ^ a b "Lonavala waterfall mishap: Family of 5, including 2 minors die by drowning in Bhushi Dam. Video". Mint. 1 July 2024. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
- ^ "Watch: Waterfall trip turns tragic as 5 picnickers drown in Pune's Bhushi Dam near Lonavala". Times of India. 1 July 2024. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
- ^ "One Of Two Children Found After Drowning In Waterfall In Maharashtra's Pune During Picnic". ABP Live. 1 July 2024. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
- ^ "Lonavala waterfall tragedy: Prohibitory orders imposed at picnic spots in Pune". Deccan Herald. 3 July 2024. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
- ^ "After Lonavala waterfall tragedy, Pune administration comes up with safety measures for tourists". The Telegraph. 2 July 2024. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
- ^ "Tragic waterfall mishap at Lonawala raises concerns about safety". Deccan Herald. 1 July 2024. Retrieved 3 July 2024.