Mumbai is currently under a red alert due to heavy rainfall, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting continued downpour. Residents are advised to stay indoors, following a day of persistent rain that led to significant disruptions including waterlogging and the cancellation of at least 11 flights.
Despite the severe weather conditions, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced that schools and colleges will remain open today. The BMC emphasized that the rainfall is being considered normal and assured that daily life in the city can proceed as usual. They advised parents to disregard rumors and rely solely on official updates from the BMC regarding school operations. Citizens are encouraged to stay in contact with their respective schools and colleges for the latest information.
In response to the red alert, Mumbai police have requested residents to remain indoors until 8:30 a.m. today, as a precautionary measure. The police have also urged the public to dial emergency numbers 100 or 112 if needed.
Flight operations at Mumbai airport faced disruptions yesterday, with eleven flights canceled due to heavy rain causing runway operational issues. However, no new flight cancellations have been reported today, and airlines have yet to issue further travel advisories.
A cargo ship, which lost its way during the intense rain off Alibaug beach, remains stranded off Colaba. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the 14 crew members aboard the vessel.
The Maharashtra government has called on Karnataka to release additional water from the Almatti dam to mitigate potential flooding in Sangli and Kolhapur, following heavy rainfall in the western parts of the state.
In terms of rainfall accumulation, Mumbai recorded 44 mm in the city area, 90 mm in the eastern suburbs, and 89 mm in the western suburbs over the past 24 hours. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation suspended bus services on several routes yesterday due to waterlogging, which also led to the closure of Mumbai’s Andheri Subway.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed across the city, and the army’s airlifting teams are on standby. Additionally, Delhi has also experienced heavy overnight showers, resulting in traffic congestion this morning.
