Mumbai: Heavy rains continued to pound Mumbai and surrounding districts for the third consecutive day on Monday, forcing authorities to shut schools and colleges in the afternoon session as a precautionary measure. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad districts until Tuesday, warning of “extremely heavy rainfall” likely to exceed 204.5 mm in 24 hours.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani directed all educational institutions operating after 12 p.m. to remain closed, citing safety concerns amid waterlogging and traffic disruptions. “We appeal to citizens to avoid stepping out unless absolutely necessary,” the civic body posted on X.
Widespread Disruption Across City
The relentless downpour since early morning led to severe waterlogging in low-lying areas including Andheri Subway, Lokhandwala Complex, and Sion, hampering vehicular movement. Traffic was particularly slow along the Western Express Highway, one of the city’s busiest corridors.
Local trains – considered Mumbai’s lifeline – were delayed by 15 to 20 minutes on most suburban routes, officials said. However, bus services run by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking were not diverted, though services were impacted by waterlogged roads.
Flight operations at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were also affected, with delays of up to 30 minutes reported on several domestic and international routes. Airport officials said visibility remained a concern during heavy spells.
Rainfall Data and Alerts
According to the BMC’s automatic weather stations, rainfall intensified after 9 a.m. on Monday. Areas recorded significant precipitation: Tata Power Chembur reported 91.5 mm, Vikhroli 78.5 mm, Juhu 60.0 mm, Sion 58.5 mm, Bandra 50.0 mm, Santacruz 47.2 mm, and Colaba 29.0 mm.
The IMD said the Konkan belt, including Ratnagiri and Raigad, has been receiving heavy rainfall, while Palghar, Sindhudurg, Aurangabad, Jalgaon, Jalna, Nanded, Hingoli, and Parbhani are under an orange alert. A yellow alert has been issued for other districts in Maharashtra.
The IMD added that Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad will remain on red alert until August 19, after which the intensity may reduce to orange alert on August 20 and yellow alert on August 21.
Impact Beyond Mumbai
In Thane district, several areas reported flooding, prompting disaster management teams to remain on high alert. In Raigad, rivers were flowing close to danger levels, and authorities warned of possible landslides in hilly terrain due to saturated soil.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed four teams in Mumbai and adjoining districts as a precaution. Fishermen along the Konkan coast have been advised not to venture into the sea due to rough weather conditions.
Public Safety Advisory
The BMC has urged residents to remain indoors and report emergencies to its main control room helpline at 1916. “We request all citizens to cooperate with civic staff and follow updates from official channels,” said a senior BMC official.
Monday marked the third straight day of intense precipitation across Mumbai, with forecasts indicating that the city will continue to face disruptions until midweek.
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