Mumbai Submerged: Torrential Downpours Bring City to a Standstill

Heavy rainfall continued to batter Mumbai and its surrounding regions on Tuesday, leading to widespread flooding, disrupted transportation, and the closure of key public institutions. The relentless downpour, which has persisted over the last few days, prompted authorities to issue a red alert, forecasting very heavy to extremely heavy showers accompanied by gusty winds up to 55 kmph. Low-lying neighborhoods were inundated, forcing residents to navigate waterlogged streets while officials urged caution amid high tide warnings.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared all government and semi-government offices closed as a safety measure, excluding essential services, due to the ongoing deluge and the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) severe weather advisory. Private companies were strongly encouraged to implement work-from-home policies to minimize travel risks. Schools and colleges across Mumbai, as well as in the broader Konkan division including Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts, remained shut to protect students and staff from the hazardous conditions.

Rainfall measurements revealed staggering accumulations in the 24 hours ending at 8 am Tuesday, with the island city averaging 186.43 mm, eastern suburbs at 208.78 mm, and western suburbs topping 238.19 mm. Specific hotspots included Vikhroli with a peak of 255.5 mm, Byculla at 241 mm, Juhu at 221.5 mm, and Bandra at 211 mm, while Mahalaxmi saw a relatively lower 72.5 mm. Over the past 84 hours, some areas have endured up to 500 mm of rain, attributed to a low-pressure system intensifying the monsoon activity since August 16.

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Waterlogging plagued multiple locales, including Borivali, Andheri, Sion, Dadar, Chembur, Gandhi Market, Hindmata, Andheri Subway, Wadala, Antop Hill, Dadar TT, Tulsi Pipe Road, Swami Vivekananda Road, Elphinstone Bridge, Gundavali Metro, and Mahakali Caves Road. Major thoroughfares like the Eastern Express Highway, Mumbai-Gujarat highway, Eastern Freeway, and Western Express Highway faced severe disruptions, with visuals from Goregaon and Kurla showing streets transformed into rivers. In Bhindi Bazar, non-stop showers created chaotic scenes, as captured in local updates.

Transportation networks bore the brunt of the storm. Local trains on the Central Railway's main line ran 10 minutes late, harbor line services delayed by 5 minutes, and Western Railway trains slowed due to reduced visibility. A signaling glitch between Ambivali and Shahad stations compounded the issues early in the morning. BEST buses were rerouted around flooded zones, and Mumbai International Airport reported delays in flights, with one video highlighting a challenging landing amid poor visibility. Nearby, the Barvi dam began overflowing, prompting alerts for surrounding villages in Badlapur and Ambernath.

High tides added to the woes, with a 3.75-meter surge at 9:16 am and a 3.14-meter one expected at 8:53 pm, potentially exacerbating flooding during peak rain hours. Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti posted on X, advising residents to remain indoors, venture out only if essential, and avoid shorelines during high tides, while reiterating support from emergency teams. Health experts and local hospitals, like Kokilaben Hospital, shared tips on avoiding contaminated water, keeping drains clear, and protecting against electrical hazards to prevent infections and accidents.

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar reviewed the situation from the Mantralaya disaster control room, ensuring all agencies remained on high alert across the state. As the city grapples with this monsoon onslaught, forecasters warn of continued intensity before a potential easing later in the day, urging Mumbaikars to prioritize safety.

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