Pune: A peculiar phenomenon referred to as a "mosquito tornado" has caused alarm in Pune, particularly in the Mundhwa, Keshavnagar, and Kharadi areas.
Numerous videos circulating on social media depict a towering swarm of mosquitoes dominating the skies, leading to widespread panic among residents.
The alarming situation has compelled residents, especially those in upscale high-rise buildings, to stay indoors, avoiding opening their balcony doors and refraining from using gardens and parks due to the overwhelming mosquito presence. Concerned citizens took to social media to urge authorities to address the issue promptly, emphasising the potential health hazards associated with mosquito breeding, including diseases like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya.
The cause of this mosquito invasion is linked to an elevated water level in the Mula-Mutha River in Kharadi.
Although the Pune Municipal Corporation initiated efforts to alleviate the excess water two days ago, the situation remains unresolved. The impact extends to various establishments along the riverbed, affecting skyscrapers, IT park premises, schools, sports stadiums, old age homes, crematoriums, and local villages.
The riverbed houses a small dam and a water treatment plant, contributing to water accumulation due to slowed water flow, creating an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. This unusual phenomenon of mosquito tornadoes has been reported in Central America and Russia, typically occurring during the rainy season.