Mumbai is currently under a red alert, bracing for extremely heavy rainfall that is expected to continue until 8:30 am on Thursday. Since Wednesday afternoon, the city and its suburbs have been lashed by unrelenting downpours, leading to significant consequences.
Low-lying areas have been inundated, with waterlogging causing widespread disruption. Local train services on the tracks between Kurla and Thane stations have been halted, leaving passengers stranded. Traffic on roads has also been severely affected, crawling at a snail’s pace.
The heavy rains have also impacted air travel. Two flights were diverted, and seven others had to make a go-around at Mumbai airport due to the inclement weather.
In light of the red alert, schools and colleges in Mumbai and its suburbs will remain closed on Thursday. The decision to close educational institutions was made by officials prioritizing the safety of students. School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar, the guardian minister for Mumbai city, declared a holiday to ensure the well-being of students.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has urged citizens to step out of their homes only if absolutely necessary, advising commuters to check weather updates and plan their journeys accordingly.
The IMD attributed the heavy rainfall to a trough extending from north Konkan to south Bangladesh, coupled with a cyclonic circulation over south Chhattisgarh and its neighborhood. This weather system is expected to bring widespread light to moderate rainfall over Konkan and Goa throughout the week.
In addition to Mumbai, the Met department has also issued a red alert for Palghar and Nashik, and an orange alert for Thane, Raigad, Mumbai, and Pune for September 26th.
The BMC has deployed workers and employees to affected areas to address the situation. The civic body has reported that the water level in the Hindmata area is receding. However, as a precautionary measure, staff are continuing to monitor the situation.
The Central Railway has also taken steps to mitigate the impact of the heavy rains. Due to waterlogging in several locations between Vidyavihar and Mulund stations, services on the Up and Down slow lines were affected. However, the Bhandup-Nahur Down line and Kanjurmarg – Nahur Up line have been restored with restricted speed. Passengers are being urged to avoid stepping onto the tracks.
