Mumbai receive 300 mm of rain in past 24 hours; situation 'critical' for next 48 hours, red alert issued
PTC Web Desk: Mumbai has been pounded by relentless rain for the second straight day, recording nearly 300 mm of rainfall in just 24 hours, triggering widespread flooding, crippling transport, and forcing the authorities to shut schools, colleges, and offices.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis warned that the situation remains “critical” for the next 48 hours, particularly for Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg, which are all on high alert. “The Mithi river has crossed the danger mark, forcing the evacuation of around 400 to 500 people. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde is monitoring the ground situation,” he said after an emergency Cabinet meeting.
Mumbai’s lifeline—the suburban train network—was badly hit, with several sections submerged under water. The Central Railway suspended services between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Thane on the main line and between CSMT and Kurla on the harbour line. Tracks in Sion and Kurla were under nearly 17 inches of water, bringing operations to a standstill. Long-distance trains were also delayed or cancelled, while help desks were set up at key stations.
Air travel was no better. According to flight-tracking data, over 300 departing flights were delayed, while nearly 200 incoming flights faced disruptions till 6:30 pm. Ten flights were cancelled at Mumbai Airport. Airlines, including IndiGo, issued advisories warning passengers about severe waterlogging and traffic snarls on roads leading to the airport.
On city roads, BEST bus services were diverted in several pockets as arterial stretches such as Hindmata, Andheri Subway, SV Road in Andheri West, Gandhi Market (Sion), and Dadar TT turned into water canals. Commuters were stranded for hours as vehicles came to a standstill. Areas like Vasai’s Vasant Nagari and Mithagar reported complete submergence, leaving hundreds trapped in waterlogged homes.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced a closure of all government, semi-government, and municipal offices, except for essential services. It also urged private companies across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to implement work-from-home for employees to avoid unnecessary movement.
Educational institutions remained shut across Mumbai and the Konkan region. The Directorate of Higher Education ordered a holiday for senior colleges in Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg, citing safety concerns.
In the 24-hour period ending at 8 am Tuesday, Vikhroli received the highest rainfall at 255.5 mm, followed by Byculla (241.0 mm) and Santacruz (238.2 mm). Other severely affected areas included Juhu (221.5 mm), Bandra (211.0 mm), Colaba (110.4 mm), and Mahalaxmi (72.5 mm).
With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for Mumbai and adjoining districts, the administration has kept emergency services on standby. Rescue teams are actively evacuating people from vulnerable zones as the city prepares for more heavy downpours over the next two days.
- With inputs from agencies
