Mumbai on Red Alert, Schools Shut, Flights Affected

Mumbai has been placed on a red alert after torrential rains caused widespread waterlogging and disruptions across the city on Wednesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert until 8:30 AM on September 26, 2024, urging residents to stay indoors and venture out only if necessary.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared that all schools and colleges in the city will remain closed tomorrow to ensure the safety of students. BMC took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce this decision, emphasizing the need to prioritize safety amid the ongoing weather crisis. In addition, there have been delays in train and bus services in various parts of the city. At Ghatkopar railway station, commuters are facing massive crowds as they struggle to catch trains amid adverse weather conditions.

Between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM, several areas in Mumbai recorded alarming rainfall levels. Veena Nagar in Mulund saw 104 mm of rain, Bhandup recorded 120 mm, Powai saw 145 mm, Chembur recorded 162 mm, and Govandi recorded 167 mm. The highest rainfall was recorded in Mankhurd at 190 mm, followed by Ghatkopar at 182 mm and Vikhroli at 188 mm.

Flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport have also been severely impacted due to the bad weather. Earlier today, an Indigo flight had to abort its landing due to wind shear and was diverted to Ahmedabad. A total of seven go-arounds and two diversions were reported, with further disruptions expected as the weather worsens.

SpiceJet has informed passengers that all departures and arrivals at Mumbai Airport may be affected due to the adverse weather conditions. Vistara also posted updates on X, noting several flight diversions. A Delhi to Mumbai flight was diverted to Hyderabad due to heavy rains in Mumbai.