Mumbai Submerged by Torrential Rain: 300 mm heavy rainfall Overnight, BMC Declares Holiday
Mumbai, a city known for its resilience and vibrancy, faced a major challenge as it recorded an astonishing 300 mm of rainfall overnight. This deluge led to widespread waterlogging and significant disruptions in daily life. This latest news highlights the severity of the situation and the measures taken to manage it.
Severe Waterlogging and Disruptions
The heavy rainfall that began early Monday morning resulted in severe waterlogging across various parts of Mumbai. This daily news report details how the rain disrupted local train services, an essential mode of transportation for millions of residents. The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) had to reroute several buses to navigate the flooded streets, further complicating the commute for many.
According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), multiple areas in the city experienced over 300 mm of rainfall between 1 am and 7 am. This breaking news underscores the intensity of the situation. The BMC stated, “Heavy rains in some low-lying areas led to waterlogging and disruption of suburban train services.”
BMC Declares Holiday for Schools and Colleges
In response to the adverse weather conditions and to prevent inconvenience for students, the BMC declared a holiday for all BMC, government, and private schools and colleges in Mumbai for the first session. The decision regarding the next session will be made after further assessment of the weather conditions. This proactive measure aims to ensure the safety and well-being of students amidst these challenging times.
IMD Weather Forecast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that Mumbai will continue to experience moderate to heavy rainfall throughout Monday, with thunderstorms possible during the night. This weather forecast also extends to other parts of Maharashtra, predicting continued heavy rainfall over the next three to four days, particularly in Madhya Maharashtra and the Marathwada region from July 8 to July 10.
Train Services Severely Affected
The relentless rain had a significant impact on Mumbai’s suburban train services. Waterlogging at various stations and on tracks, particularly on the Central Railway, caused major disruptions. The Central Railway Public Relations Officer (CRPO) stated, “Train services are affected at Sion and between Bhandup and Nahur stations. Rainwater was above the tracks, so trains were stopped for nearly one hour. Now water has receded a bit, so trains are restarting but services are still affected.”
In response to the situation, the Western Railway deployed high-capacity water pumps to remove water from the tracks, allowing the suburban section to resume normal operations. They assured commuters through a social media post, “Despite heavy downpour, #MumbaiLocals in WR’s suburban section are running normally to ensure a safe commute for Mumbaikars.
High capacity water pumps are being utilized to drain water and railway staff across the section are closely monitoring the situation to keep Mumbai’s lifeline running smoothly.”
Flight Operations Disrupted
The heavy rainfall also impacted flight operations at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Several airlines, including IndiGo and Vistara, issued advisories to passengers. IndiGo posted on X (formerly Twitter),
“Flights to/from #Mumbai are impacted due to heavy rains. To opt for an alternate flight or claim a full refund,
visit our website or feel free to reach out to our on-ground team for immediate assistance.”
Vistara issued a similar advisory,
cautioning passengers about potential delays and advising them to allocate extra travel time to the airport due to the heavy traffic congestion caused by the weather conditions.
Continued Efforts and Safety Measures
As Mumbai battles these challenges, the BMC and other civic bodies are working tirelessly to manage the situation.
Residents are urged to stay updated with the latest news and weather forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel,
and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Mumbai’s enduring spirit of resilience is evident as the city navigates through this period of heavy rainfall and waterlogging.
The collective efforts of residents, civic bodies,
and essential services highlight the strength and unity of Mumbai during times of adversity.
This local news update underscores the importance of staying informed and prepared during such critical events.
