Mumbai experienced severe disruptions due to heavy rainfall, resulting in the tragic drowning of one person and significant impacts on local transport and school operations. The relentless downpour, which began Wednesday evening, caused widespread waterlogging across the city and its suburbs, leading to the cancellation of local train services and the diversion of 14 flights.
The victim, a 45-year-old woman identified as Vimal Anil Gaikwad, drowned in an overflowing drain in the suburban area of Andheri. Her body was recovered about an hour later. As the rain began to taper off late Wednesday night, conditions started to improve, with authorities gradually restoring vehicular and rail traffic. However, forecasts indicate that additional rain is expected until October 1.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for Mumbai until 1 PM on Thursday, following an earlier orange alert. In preparation for the adverse weather, schools and colleges in Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad were closed on Thursday. IMD scientist Sushma Nair explained that a trough extending from north Konkan to south Bangladesh, combined with a cyclonic circulation over south Chhattisgarh, is contributing to the persistent rainfall in the region.
Between 8 AM and 10 PM on Wednesday, the eastern suburbs of Mumbai recorded an average rainfall of 169.85 mm, with Mankhurd receiving the highest at 276 mm. Bhandup followed closely with 275 mm, and Powai recorded 274 mm. Areas such as Sewri Koliwada and Wadala experienced over 145 mm of rainfall, while western suburbs recorded 190 mm.
The Central Railway reported waterlogging between Vidyavihar and Mulund, causing delays and forcing trains to operate at reduced speeds of 30 km/h, inconveniencing many commuters. In contrast, the Western Railway managed to maintain normal train services on its network. Huge crowds filled several railway stations as commuters sought to return home.
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani instructed all assistant commissioners to ensure that executive engineers were stationed in ward control rooms and that staff from the Stormwater Drains department were actively working to address the flooding. The heavy rain also caused a landslide on the Mumbra bypass road, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
In light of the ongoing situation, the Mumbai Police have advised residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary, as the city braces for continued rain in the coming days.
