Heavy rainfall early Monday morning wreaked havoc in Mumbai, submerging key roads and low-lying areas, and causing significant disruption to daily life. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Mumbai, effective until 1pm on Tuesday. Raigad and Ratnagiri districts are also under a red alert until Tuesday afternoon, while Palghar and Thane are on an orange alert.
Impact on Transport
The relentless downpour led to the cancellation of around 50 flights at Mumbai airports, with 27 flights being diverted to other cities such as Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Indore due to low visibility and runway closures. Additionally, some train services were cancelled, and suburban rail services were disrupted, causing major inconvenience to commuters.
Waterlogging and Traffic Snarls
Mumbai recorded over 300mm of rainfall at various locations within just six hours, from 1 am to 7 am. This excessive rain caused severe waterlogging in several areas, including Andheri, Kurla, Bhandup, King’s Circle, Vile Parle, and Dadar. The city’s storm drains were overwhelmed, bringing traffic to a standstill in many parts. Vehicles were seen drifting, and people were forced to wade through knee-deep water.
Government Response
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde chaired a cabinet meeting to assess the situation and visited the municipal corporation’s control room. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced a half-day holiday for all government and private schools and colleges under its jurisdiction for the safety of students.
Flight and Train Operations
Due to the heavy rain, 27 flights were diverted between 2.22 am and 3.40 am on Monday. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport deployed additional staff across terminals to assist passengers, providing extra seating and water. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates before heading to the airport.
The Central Railway cancelled several trains, including the MMR-CSMT (12110) and Pune-CSMT (11010), among others. Local train services, which were briefly halted due to water on the tracks, resumed later as conditions improved.
Traffic Chaos
Heavy traffic jams were reported across the city, especially on highways and key roads that were not submerged. The Western Expressway saw long stretches of vehicles struggling to move during rush hours.
Safety Measures
Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. Ram Karan Yadav, General Manager of Central Railway, appealed to the public to avoid travel if possible, citing severe waterlogging around Kurla, Bhandup, and other areas.
As Mumbai battles this extreme weather, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents. Stay updated with the latest news and advisories to navigate through these challenging times.
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