Mumbai Rains: 6 Children, 2 Staff Rescued from Stranded School Bus

A school bus carrying six children and two staff members from Don Bosco High School was stranded for over 30 minutes on a flooded road in Mumbai’s Matunga area on Monday, amid torrential rains that have paralyzed the city. The incident, reported at around 11:45 am near Kings Circle, prompted a swift response from Matunga Police, who rescued all eight occupants and safely relocated them to the police station.

The relentless downpour, part of a red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad, forced schools with morning shifts to declare a half-day, sending students home early. The private bus, navigating waterlogged roads, became immobilized in knee-deep water, with visibility reduced to near zero. “We were scared, but the police reached us quickly and ensured our safety,” said one of the rescued staff members.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) responded to the crisis by declaring a holiday for all schools and colleges operating in the afternoon shift, citing severe waterlogging and safety concerns. Mumbai Police, on high alert, urged residents via X to avoid non-essential travel and shared emergency helplines (100/112/103). “Our teams are deployed across the city to assist. Your safety comes first,” the post read.

Also Read: Mumbai Paralyzed by Torrential Rains: Schools Shut, Red Alert Issued

The rescue operation highlights Mumbai’s ongoing struggle with monsoon flooding, with posts on X showing submerged roads and stranded vehicles in areas like Sion and Dadar. The IMD’s forecast of extremely heavy rainfall through Tuesday has heightened fears of urban flooding, reminiscent of the 2005 deluge. Authorities are now focusing on clearing drains and ensuring safe evacuations as the city braces for more rain.

Also Read: Mumbai Reels Under Heavy Rains for Third Day, Low-Lying Areas Flooded