Mumbai experienced torrential rain on Monday, recording over 300 mm of rainfall within just six hours from 1 am to 7 am. The deluge prompted Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to convene a high-level meeting to assess the situation.
In a social media update, Shinde announced that all disaster management agencies had been placed on high alert and advised residents to venture out only if absolutely necessary.
“The heavy rainfall has caused significant traffic congestion and disrupted railway services. Efforts are underway to clear the tracks of water and restore normal operations as soon as possible,” Shinde stated. He also called for cooperation from the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, police, and emergency services.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported severe waterlogging in low-lying areas such as Worli, Kurla East, King’s Circle, Dadar, and Vidyavihar Railway Station. This led to significant disruptions in suburban train services.
“Train services were halted at Sion and between Bhandup and Nahur stations due to rainwater flooding the tracks. Although the water level has started to recede, services remain disrupted,” reported Central Railways.
The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) had to reroute several buses due to the flooding. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed teams across Mumbai and nearby areas including Thane, Vasai, and Palghar to mitigate flood-related incidents.
With more heavy rain expected, the BMC announced a holiday for the first session for all BMC, government, and private schools and colleges in Mumbai. The decision regarding the second session would be made after further assessment of the situation.
Mumbai University also rescheduled exams slated for Monday to July 13 due to the severe weather conditions.
Flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were significantly impacted, with the runway being closed from 2:22 am to 3:40 am. This led to the diversion of 27 flights to cities like Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Indore.
“Priority is currently being given to arriving flights, which has caused delays in departures. Adjustments are being made to accommodate the diverted flights,” airport authorities stated.
Despite the heavy rainfall causing multiple incidents, including a small landslide in Vikhroli and a house collapse in the eastern suburbs, no injuries were reported.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Mumbai for Tuesday, predicting hefty rainfall in the next 24 hours.