Mumbai is grappling with heavy rainfall, causing widespread disruption and flooding across the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, signifying the severity of the weather conditions. To ensure safe travel during these challenging circumstances, Mumbai Police have released a comprehensive checklist of driving tips.
The police’s Instagram post outlines a series of crucial steps to navigate the monsoon rains safely. These include ensuring the vehicle’s horn is functional for emergencies, checking and cleaning the ventilation system for optimal air circulation, and avoiding parking near trees. Furthermore, they recommend replacing air filters as needed and investing in effective windshield wiper blades to maintain clear visibility during heavy downpours.
In addition to these essential safety measures, Mumbai Police emphasize the importance of regular vehicle maintenance. They advise monitoring and adjusting tyre pressure to prevent accidents due to low pressure, maintaining the car’s underbody to prevent corrosion, and ensuring the exhaust system is functioning efficiently.
The relentless downpour has led to severe waterlogging and lengthy traffic jams, particularly in low-lying areas. The Andheri Subway has been closed for vehicular movement due to the heavy rainfall. Bus and train services have also been disrupted, causing significant inconvenience to commuters.
The impact of the monsoon rains is also evident in the city’s water supply. Vihar Lake, one of the seven lakes supplying water to the Mumbai metropolitan area, has overflowed. Despite the challenges, the city continues to face the threat of more rainfall. The Brihan Mumbai Metropolitan Council (BMC) has reported that moderate to heavy rainfall is expected on Thursday and Friday, with possibilities of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations. Gusty winds reaching 50-60 kmph are also anticipated. The city’s resilience is being tested as it navigates through the challenging monsoon season.
