Mumbai Rain Highlights: Schools Shut, Flights Diverted as Heavy Rainfall Hits the City
08.07.2024: Heavy rains have once again disrupted life in Mumbai, leading to waterlogging, halted train services, and flight cancellations. As the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts more heavy rainfall and high tide, here’s a comprehensive look at the situation:
Major Disruptions
- Suburban Train Services: Waterlogging on tracks has severely affected Central Railway’s suburban services, causing significant delays and inconvenience to commuters.
- Flight Cancellations: Mumbai airport operations were hit hard, leading to the cancellation of 50 flights. Passengers faced long waits and uncertainty.
- School Closures: The State Government declared a holiday for all schools in Mumbai, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts due to the heavy rains and potential safety hazards.
Impact on Daily Life
- Waterlogging: Several low-lying areas in Mumbai received over 300 mm of rainfall in just six hours, causing severe waterlogging and making many roads impassable. Residents were seen wading through flooded streets.
- Vehicular Movement: The inundation of roads affected vehicular movement across the city, creating traffic snarls and delays.
Government and Civic Response
- Emergency Measures: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed teams to help avert a flood-like situation. They have already rescued 49 people stranded due to heavy rain at resorts in Thane.
- Legislature Adjourned: Both houses of the Maharashtra legislature were adjourned as many members and officials could not reach the Vidhan Bhavan due to the heavy downpour.
- Chief Minister’s Response: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde took stock of the situation by chairing a meeting at the Mantralaya and visiting the control room of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
- Civic Body Alerts: The BMC has urged citizens not to believe in rumours and to contact their control room numbers for emergency help. Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani monitored the situation from the disaster management control room.
Weather Forecast
- Next 24 Hours: The IMD has predicted moderate spells of rainfall in Mumbai and its suburbs, with heavy showers expected at isolated places. Citizens are advised to remain cautious and stay updated on weather forecasts.
Mumbai’s monsoon continues to pose challenges, disrupting daily life and causing significant inconveniences. Authorities are working round the clock to manage the situation and provide relief to the affected residents. Stay safe and follow official advisories for the latest updates.