NASHIK: In a tragic weather-related incident, three people, including two children, were killed and one injured after lightning struck them while they were working in a farm at Kongangar village in Chalisgaon taluka of Jalgaon district on Sunday afternoon. The deceased have been identified as Samadhan Rathod (9), Lakhan Pawar (14), and Dashrath Pawar (24). Dilip Pawar (35), who sustained injuries, is receiving treatment at the Chalisgaon rural hospital.

Meanwhile, in Nashik city, a sudden intense downpour on Sunday evening — clocking 42.1mm in just an hour — led to flash flooding in several low-lying areas, bringing the city to a standstill. The rainfall, recorded between 5pm and 6pm, overwhelmed the city’s poorly maintained drainage systems.

Areas such as the old flower market, Saraf Bazaar, Shukla Lane, Dahipool, and Main Road witnessed severe waterlogging. Commercial shops suffered losses due to water entering premises, with Girish Navase, president of the Nashik Jewellers’ Association, highlighting repeated annual damage and blaming the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) for inadequate monsoon preparedness.

The malfunction of the Saraswati nullah due to plastic and solid waste blockages worsened the flooding. Over 200 spots across the city reported waterlogging, causing massive traffic jams at Dwarka Circle, Mumbai Naka, Bali Mandir, and city market zones. Emergency response teams from the fire brigade were deployed to flooded areas, including Saraf Bazaar and Talki Road.

Despite some drainage improvements, work is still pending at 70 black spots. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Monday, with light to moderate rain forecast till Thursday.