Mumbai is currently facing serious challenges due to heavy rainfall that began on Wednesday evening. The downpour has led to at least four deaths, including a tragic incident where a 45-year-old woman drowned in an overflowing nullah in Andheri. As the rain continues to fall, many parts of the city are flooded, creating chaos for residents.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai, warning of “extremely heavy rainfall” and thunderstorms. In light of the severe weather, the Mumbai municipal government has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges on Thursday, September 26, to keep students safe.
Transportation in the city has been heavily impacted. Local train services were initially suspended due to waterlogged tracks, leaving millions of daily commuters stranded. Fortunately, by Thursday morning, services began to resume as water levels dropped, although delays and reduced speeds were still in place for safety.
Buses operated by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) started running again early Thursday, offering some relief to commuters. However, traffic jams have been reported across many neighbourhoods, including Kurla East, Nehru Nagar, and Chembur, where vehicles struggled to navigate flooded roads.
The aviation sector has also been affected. Mumbai Airport reported that 14 incoming flights were diverted due to the poor weather conditions, with several flights from IndiGo and Vistara unable to land safely.
The heavy rains have caused additional problems, including a landslide at the Mumbra bypass late Wednesday night. Low-lying areas, particularly in Mulund, have experienced significant flooding, and officials are advising residents to stay indoors and avoid dangerous areas.
Looking ahead, the IMD forecasts that the heavy rain will continue, with more thunderstorms expected in the coming days. Officials are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared for further challenges.
As Mumbai navigates through these tough conditions, residents are urged to remain cautious, especially near flooded areas and train tracks. The city, known for its resilience, is facing yet another test as it works to recover from this severe weather event.
