The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas of Raigad and the ghat regions of Pune and Satara, forecasting intense downpours over the next 16 hours. Simultaneously, an orange alert has been issued for Mumbai, where persistent morning showers caused widespread waterlogging and disrupted transportation services.
The IMD has predicted continued heavy rain over the next 24 hours, accompanied by overcast skies. Mumbai recorded 95 mm of rainfall in the island city, while the eastern and western suburbs received 58 mm and 75 mm, respectively. A high tide measuring 4.21 metres is expected at 3:31 pm, raising concerns about further flooding in low-lying areas.
Transportation Disruptions and Airline Advisories
Heavy rain brought much of Mumbai’s infrastructure to a temporary halt. Road traffic slowed significantly due to waterlogging, and suburban trains on the Central and Western lines reported delays of 20 to 30 minutes. Mumbai Metro One temporarily suspended services owing to debris on the tracks but has since resumed operations.
Flight operations also took a hit. Air India cautioned that weather conditions might impact flights to and from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). IndiGo Airlines issued a travel advisory, urging passengers to check the status of their flights and plan ahead to avoid last-minute issues.
Widespread Impact Across Maharashtra
The Konkan region, including Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts, continues to face relentless rain, causing river levels to rise and submerging low-lying areas in several towns and villages. Since June 1, rain-related incidents in Maharashtra have resulted in 18 deaths and left 65 people injured, according to official data.
The IMD’s five-day forecast warns of heavy to very heavy rainfall at many locations, with extremely heavy rainfall likely at isolated places, particularly in Raigad and the ghat sections of Pune and Satara until 8:30 am on Tuesday. An orange alert has also been declared for Thane, Palghar, and other parts of Vidarbha, including Amravati, Bhandara, Gondia, and Nagpur.
Alert Levels and Preparedness
A red alert urges immediate action from local authorities to mitigate disaster risk, while an orange alert serves as a warning to be prepared for potential emergencies. Officials are closely monitoring river levels in flood-prone areas and have advised residents in vulnerable locations to remain alert.
With continued heavy rains expected in southern Konkan districts over the next few days, authorities are on high alert and ready to initiate emergency response measures if the situation escalates.