Mumbai Rain: Schools Closed, More Showers Expected

Mumbai was severely affected by heavy rainfall on Wednesday, which led to waterlogging in multiple areas, halting local train services and diverting 14 flights. Schools and colleges remained closed on Thursday as the weather office issued a red alert for the city until 1 PM. Although the rain stopped late at night, more showers are expected till October 1.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) worked tirelessly to restore normalcy in various parts of the city. The highest rainfall was recorded in the Mankhurd area of the eastern suburbs, which received 276 mm, followed by 190 mm in the western suburbs. Traffic in the city started to return to normal, but the Central Railway reported waterlogging between Vidyavihar and Mulund, causing trains to slow down.

In a tragic incident, a woman named Vimal Anil Gaikwad drowned in an overflowing drain in suburban Andheri due to the heavy rain. In another rain-related incident, three people were struck by lightning in Thane, resulting in their deaths. Mumbai Police urged citizens to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Several areas in the suburbs continue to face waterlogging.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted more rainfall in Mumbai and its neighboring regions until October 1. A red alert was issued for Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts on Thursday morning, with Palghar set to remain on red alert on Friday. BMC’s chief engineer Bhushan Gagrani directed all officers to be on high alert and ensure the functioning of de-watering pumps in flood-prone areas.

A landslide occurred at the Mumbra bypass due to heavy rain, but no injuries were reported. Rocks were quickly cleared from the road, ensuring no further delays in traffic.

According to IMD scientist Sushma Nair, a trough from north Konkan to south Bangladesh, coupled with a cyclonic circulation over south Chhattisgarh, is responsible for the heavy rainfall in the region. This weather system is expected to bring widespread light to moderate rainfall over the Konkan and Goa regions throughout the week.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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