Mumbai Hit Hard by Heavy Rains: Schools Closed, Transport Disrupted, and Emergency Measures Activated
Mumbai is experiencing heavy rainfall that has significantly disrupted daily life. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, prompting the closure of schools and colleges across the city. Due to the ongoing downpour, roads are flooded, train services are delayed, and flight operations are severely affected. In particular, the Andheri subway is shut down because of waterlogging, causing major traffic diversions.
The IMD forecast predicts continuous rainfall throughout the week. Early on Monday, the rain led to waterlogging in multiple areas, including Dindoshi, and it’s expected to persist for the next few days. Regions like Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada will also face heavy rainfall until July 10. The heavy rain caused substantial waterlogging at Wadala Station, leading to slight delays in Harbour line services. An extended wet spell is anticipated in Palghar, Thane, and other areas until July 12.
Given the situation, Raigad’s collector declared a holiday for schools and colleges on July 9, prioritizing student safety. The University of Mumbai has postponed exams scheduled for that day, with new dates to be announced soon. Central Railway has advised passengers against unnecessary travel, and some trains, including train no. 11061, have been rescheduled due to the adverse weather.
Schools and junior colleges in Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Panvel, Pune, and other districts will remain closed in response to the red alert. The IMD has issued a red alert for multiple districts and an orange alert for Thane and Palghar. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced that all schools in Mumbai would be closed on July 9.
In response to the heavy rainfall, Maharashtra’s State Road Transport Corporation operated additional bus services to accommodate passengers affected by the disruption of local train services. Despite the installation of high-capacity pumps, waterlogging halted Central Railway services, leaving numerous passengers stranded and delaying several outstation trains.
The rain also impacted flight services at Mumbai airport, with low visibility leading to the cancellation of around 50 flights. The Andheri subway’s closure due to waterlogging diverted traffic to Swami Vivekanand Road. Rivers like Kundalika and Kalu are nearing their danger marks due to the heavy rains.
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation declared a holiday for all schools within its jurisdiction. Central Railway reported disruptions at Nahur and Chunabhatti stations on the Harbour Line, although services have since returned to normal. The IMD warned of intense rainfall spells over the next few hours.
The National Disaster Response Force has been deployed in Kurla and Ghatkopar, among other areas, to manage the situation. Despite having the infrastructure to handle such weather, including dewatering pumps and pumping stations, the BMC faced criticism for being unprepared, with opposition leaders highlighting the government’s failure in handling the situation.
CM Eknath Shinde inspected the BMC Control Room to assess the situation, while measures like flood gates at Mithi River were activated to prevent seawater from entering the city during high tide. Traffic on key routes like the Eastern Express Highway and Bandra Kherwadi faced significant delays due to the rain. However, Western Railway reported no long-distance train cancellations or reschedules, thanks to effective infrastructure upgrades and monsoon preparedness efforts.
Mumbai’s Powai Lake overflowed, highlighting the intensity of the rainfall. The BMC provided stranded passengers with essentials like water, tea, and biscuits at various railway stations. The State Disaster Management Authority, NDRF, and BMC are on high alert, ensuring traffic flow on major highways and railway lines, while the army, navy, and air force remain on standby. Despite these efforts, the relentless rain continues to pose challenges, affecting daily life in Mumbai and surrounding areas.