Mumbai faced a deluge on Monday as heavy rainfall, exceeding 300 mm from 1 am to 7 am, caused widespread flooding and disruption to normal life. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Maharashtra, indicating heavy downpours throughout the day. In a social media post, IMD stated, “Light to moderate spell of rainfall likely over Mumbai during next 3 hours.”
The severe weather impacted the city’s lifeline, rail traffic, significantly. On Sunday, several trains were cancelled and diverted due to waterlogging. Rail traffic was disrupted across Mumbai, leaving many stranded. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) initially declared a holiday for the first session of schools and colleges due to the extreme weather conditions. However, as the situation worsened, the decision was made to shut down all BMC, government and private schools and colleges in Mumbai for the entire day.
Heavy rains also resulted in significant traffic congestion on all major roads. In light of this, Vistara Airlines issued an advisory urging passengers to “allow more time for their journey to the airport.”
Video footages captured the extent of the flooding, showcasing overflowing drains, waterlogged streets and roads, and submerged railway tracks near Wadala and GTB stations. The video given below shows waterlogged Dadar’s Hindu colony. Visuals from Kurla show buses, cars, and other vehicles navigating through waterlogged roads. Following heavy showers and a ‘high tide,’ Andheri Subway was completely submerged.
Earlier in the day, many long-distance trains were reportedly running late, while several local trains were suspended. Railway authorities are using high-capacity water pumps to drain out water from tracks in low-lying areas. The Western Express Highway near Vile Parle also witnessed heavy traffic congestion.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed special teams in Thane, Vasai (Palghar), Mahad (Raigad), Chiplun (Ratnagiri), Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara Ghatkopar, Kurla, and Sindhudurg. In addition to this, three teams were stationed at Andheri and one at Nagpur.
