Mumbai and its surrounding areas have been battered by intense rainfall, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for the region. The alert, which was in effect until 8:30 AM on Thursday, September 26, 2024, warned of extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in isolated areas.
The heavy downpour, which began on Wednesday, has caused significant disruptions across the city. Low-lying areas have been inundated, local trains were halted, and at least 14 incoming flights were diverted due to the adverse weather conditions.
Human Toll and Tragedies
The rains have claimed at least four lives in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). One of the most tragic incidents involved a 45-year-old woman, Vimal Anil Gaikwad, who fell into an open manhole in a waterlogged street in Andheri. Her death has highlighted the recurring issue of manhole tragedies in Mumbai.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a probe into Gaikwad's death, underscoring the need for improved infrastructure and safety measures during such weather events.
Infrastructure and Transportation Disruptions
The heavy rainfall has severely impacted the city's infrastructure and transportation systems. A landslide on the Mumbra bypass in Thane occurred around 9:30 PM on Wednesday, leading to a traffic jam that lasted over three hours.
Local trains, which are the lifeline of Mumbai, were halted temporarily but resumed operations on Thursday, albeit with some delays. Buses operated by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) also returned to the roads early on Thursday.
Educational Institutions and Public Advisories
In response to the severe weather conditions, the BMC declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in Thane, Palghar, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
The Mumbai Police and civic authorities have advised residents to stay indoors as much as possible to avoid any further risks associated with the heavy rains and subsequent flooding.
Ongoing Weather Predictions
The IMD has predicted that isolated heavy rainfall is likely to continue in the region until September 27, 2024. This forecast has kept the city on high alert, with civic officials and emergency services on standby to handle any further emergencies.
In addition to the local disruptions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was forced to cancel his visit to Pune due to the severe weather conditions.
As the city navigates through this challenging period, the focus remains on ensuring public safety and mitigating the effects of the heavy rainfall.
