Mumbai and several districts of Maharashtra continued to reel under relentless rainfall on Thursday, disrupting daily life and prompting authorities to announce precautionary measures. Educational institutions in Thane, Panvel, Navi Mumbai, and Lonavala have been ordered to remain closed for the day. However, schools and colleges in Mumbai will function as usual, as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has not declared a holiday.
Mumbai Rains: IMD Alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall alert for Mumbai for the next 24 hours. The city has been witnessing continuous downpours since Saturday, severely affecting traffic and civic life. According to the IMD’s weekly forecast, heavy rainfall is expected to persist until August 21, with showers likely to continue even beyond this period.
Flight and Train Operations
Air travel is expected to face disruptions, with delays and possible cancellations as the downpour intensifies. Local train services, considered the lifeline of Mumbai, are also likely to be impacted. Authorities have urged commuters to plan their travel cautiously.
Why the Heavy Rainfall?
Meteorologists attribute the extreme weather to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, coupled with strengthened monsoon winds, which have been pushing heavy rain clouds towards Maharashtra’s coastline.
Maharashtra Under Red Alert
Several parts of the state, including Mumbai and Pune, have been witnessing torrential rain for the last four days. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a review meeting with the disaster management department and warned that the next 48 hours will be critical for districts such as Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg, which remain under a red alert for heavy rainfall.
500 mm Rain in 84 Hours
According to reports, Mumbai and surrounding areas recorded nearly 500 mm of rainfall within 84 hours, highlighting the severity of the ongoing monsoon spell. The heavy showers have led to flooding in several low-lying areas, affecting road traffic, residential colonies, and business activities.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, while citizens are advised to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.