Mumbai, Sept 26, 2024 – Mumbai was battered by incessant heavy rains on Wednesday, leaving the city paralyzed as four people lost their lives, streets flooded, and transport services ground to a halt. The downpour which has triggered widespread disruptions across the city and surrounding regions, prompted authorities to issue warnings, shut down schools, and divert incoming flights.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Mumbai and Thane, signaling continued heavy rainfall over the next few days, while a red alert was sounded for parts of Palghar, indicating a severe weather threat.
Fatalities and Flooding Chaos
The torrential rain, which has been pounding the city since the early hours, led to multiple fatalities. A 22-year-old woman, identified as Swapnali Kshirsagar, tragically drowned in the Zenith waterfall in Raigad district while out with her family. Several other deaths have been reported as a result of drowning and accidents caused by the heavy rains, bringing the total death toll to four.
Flooding in low-lying areas of Mumbai submerged roads and neighborhoods, leaving many stranded. The relentless downpour has overwhelmed the city’s drainage systems, with key areas such as Sion, Dadar, and Kurla facing knee-deep water, causing traffic to come to a standstill. Residents and commuters were seen wading through floodwaters as rescue services rushed to assist stranded individuals.
Transport Disruptions: Flights Diverted, Trains Halted
The downpour severely impacted transport services in and around Mumbai. Local trains, which are the city’s lifeline, were halted or delayed as tracks were flooded, leaving thousands of commuters stranded at stations. Western, Central, and Harbour lines faced massive disruptions, sparking chaos for those relying on the rail network to commute.
Mumbai airport was also hit hard by the weather, with at least 14 incoming flights being diverted to other airports due to poor visibility and strong winds. Airlines have urged passengers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport as further delays and cancellations are expected.
A landslide on the Mumbra bypass in Thane, triggered by the unrelenting rain, caused traffic to back up for over three hours, leaving motorists stuck in gridlock. Authorities are working to clear debris and restore normalcy in the area.
Schools and Colleges Closed, City on High Alert
In light of the weather situation, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in the city on Thursday. The Mumbai Police has issued an advisory urging citizens to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. “Avoid stepping out unless required. Follow weather updates and stay safe,” said a statement from the Mumbai Police.
The IMD has forecasted isolated heavy rainfall to continue until September 27, putting the city on alert for potential further flooding and disruption. Authorities have been instructed to be on high alert, with rescue teams and disaster management units prepared to respond to emergencies.
Political Criticism and Infrastructure Concerns
The devastating impact of the rains has also led to political fallout, with leaders criticizing the state government’s preparedness and infrastructure management. Former Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar lashed out at the administration, calling for accountability in the wake of the casualties. “Just putting up lights and painting roads is not enough. The government must pay attention to the crumbling infrastructure that is costing lives. A case should be registered against those responsible,” Pednekar said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray also condemned the handling of the situation, noting that the waterlogging and damage across Mumbai and Thane exposed the state’s poor planning and infrastructure during the monsoon season.
Ongoing Alerts Across Maharashtra, Goa, and Gujarat
As the weather situation continues to worsen, the IMD has issued red alerts across several regions, including Konkan, Goa, and parts of Maharashtra. Uttarakhand and West Uttar Pradesh are also expected to experience isolated heavy rainfall over the next few days.
Residents of Mumbai and surrounding areas have been urged to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep emergency supplies on hand as further rain could exacerbate the situation. The BMC has activated its disaster control units and urged citizens to report any flooding or emergencies through the helpline numbers provided.
With rains expected to continue, Mumbai remains on edge, bracing for further challenges as the monsoon wreaks havoc across the city.
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