Several key roads, including those near King's Circle in Dadar, were submerged underwater, causing traffic gridlock and disrupting commutes. The relentless rain caused severe waterlogging in several other areas too, with reports of knee-deep water in Buntara Bhavan in Kurla East and Powai. This led to the diversion of many BEST buses from their regular routes, causing further inconvenience for commuters.
Flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were also impacted. Airlines like IndiGo and Vistara advised passengers to expect delays and heavy traffic congestion while travelling to the airport. IndiGo even offered passengers flying into or out of Mumbai the option to rebook their flights or get a full refund due to the weather conditions.
Train services, a lifeline for Mumbaikars, were not spared either. The Central Railway's suburban network faced delays due to waterlogging at stations like CSMT, Churchgate, and LTT. However, the Western Railway managed to clear tracks using high-capacity water pumps, ensuring normal operations in their suburban section.
Further, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) prioritised student safety by declaring a holiday for the first session in all BMC, government, and private schools and colleges within their jurisdiction. The decision on afternoon classes was to be made later based on the evolving situation, but a holiday has been declared for all schools and colleges today.
Citizens took to social media to share their experiences, posting videos and updates on waterlogged streets and areas to avoid. However, Mumbai’s skirmish with the torrential rains is hardly over yet.
Heavy rains to continue pounding Mumbai and nearby districts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast up to widespread rains accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning over various parts of Maharashtra over the next five days. During this period, heavy rains (64.5 mm-115.5 mm) are likely over Konkan, Goa and Madhya Maharashtra until Friday.Mumbai’s Regional Meteorological Centre had earlier issued a yellow alert for rain in Mumbai and surrounding areas. With heavy rain expected to continue, citizens are advised to stay cautious and avoid venturing out unless absolutely necessary.
Apart from the Maharashtra capital, other districts like Thane, Palghar, Pune, Ratnagiri, Dhule and Raigad will all be in for similarly heavy rains today.
Impacts due to heavy rains
- Water logging/inundation in most parts of low lying areas and river banks
- Occasional reduction in visibility due to heavy rainfall
- Disruption to road, rail and ferry transport
- Local disruption of municipal services such as water and electricity etc
- Possible uprooting of weak trees and collapse of old and unmaintained structures.
- Damage to horticulture and standing crops due to water inundation and gusty winds
- Minor damage to kutcha houses/walls and huts
- Occasional gusty winds with speed reaching 35-45 gusting to 55 kmph along and off the coast resulting in possibilities of damage to vulnerable/temporary structures
- Possibility of landslide/mudslides and rock falls in hilly areas
- Rough sea conditions along the coast