Mumbai Inundated by Heavy Rainfall: 300 mm Rain Recorded Overnight, BMC Declares Holiday
Mumbai, often lauded for its resilience, faced a significant challenge as it recorded 300 mm of rainfall overnight, leading to widespread waterlogging and disruptions. This latest news story sheds light on the city’s struggles and the measures taken to manage the situation.
Widespread Waterlogging and Service Disruptions
The heavy rainfall that began early Monday morning caused severe waterlogging across various parts of Mumbai. This daily news report highlights the impact on local train services, a critical mode of transportation for millions of residents. The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) had to reroute numerous buses due to the flooded streets, complicating the daily commute for many.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported that multiple areas in the city received over 300 mm of rainfall between 1 am and 7 am. This breaking news highlights the severity of the situation. The BMC noted, “Heavy rains in some low-lying areas led to waterlogging and disruption of suburban train services.”
BMC Announces Holiday for Educational Institutions
In light of the adverse weather conditions, the BMC declared a holiday for all BMC, government, and private schools and colleges in Mumbai for the first session. A decision regarding the subsequent sessions will be made after a thorough assessment of the weather conditions. This proactive approach is aimed at ensuring the safety and convenience of students during these challenging times.
IMD Weather Forecast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that Mumbai will continue to experience moderate to heavy rainfall throughout Monday, with the possibility of thunderstorms during the night. This weather forecast extends to other parts of Maharashtra, with heavy rainfall expected over the next three to four days, particularly in Madhya Maharashtra and the Marathwada region from July 8 to July 10.
Impact on Train Services
The continuous rain significantly affected Mumbai’s suburban train services. Waterlogging at several stations and on the 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.”
The Western Railway employed high-capacity water pumps to remove water from the tracks, allowing the suburban section to resume operations. They reassured commuters via a social media post, “Despite the 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 Hampered
The heavy rainfall also disrupted flight operations at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Airlines like 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 reach out to our on-ground team for immediate assistance.”
Vistara similarly advised passengers to allow extra travel time to the airport due to heavy traffic congestion and slow vehicle movement caused by the weather conditions.
Ongoing Efforts and Safety Measures
As Mumbai faces these challenges, the BMC and other civic bodies are working diligently 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 spirit of resilience continues to shine as the city navigates through this period of heavy rainfall and waterlogging. The collaborative 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.
