Mumbai Breathes Easy as Rains Subside

After a week of relentless rainfall that paralyzed the city, Mumbai woke up to a welcome respite on Thursday morning, with patches of sunlight breaking through in several areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a significant reduction in rainfall since Wednesday, with no overnight showers recorded. The IMD’s Mumbai unit had issued a ‘yellow alert’ on Wednesday, forecasting moderate rainfall, but the city experienced minimal precipitation, allowing normalcy to return.

The heavy rains on Tuesday had wreaked havoc, submerging roads, flooding rail tracks, and disrupting flights and train services. Low-lying areas like Andheri, Kurla, and Sion faced severe waterlogging, with videos circulating on X showing vehicles wading through knee-deep water. On Thursday, however, life began to stabilize. While some commuters reported minor delays in suburban services on Central Railway and Western Railway due to residual track issues, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses operated smoothly, according to a transport official.

Residents expressed relief at the break in the weather. “It’s been a tough week with constant rain. Seeing sunlight today feels like a blessing,” said Priya Deshmukh, a Bandra resident. The IMD forecasts light showers over the next 24 hours, with a ‘green alert’ indicating no major disruptions. Civic authorities, however, remain vigilant, clearing drainage systems to prevent waterlogging in case of renewed rainfall.

Also Read: Mumbai Bounces Back After Monsoon Deluge

The respite comes as a boon for Mumbai’s infrastructure, which faced criticism for poor preparedness during the deluge. Local activist Sanjay Patil urged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to expedite desilting efforts, stating, “This pause in the rains is a chance to fix our drainage issues before the next spell.” As Mumbai recovers, the city’s spirit shines through, with citizens and authorities working to restore normalcy after days of chaos.

Also Read: Mumbai Rains: Torrential Downpour Claims Lives, Disrupts City Life