Mumbai and Pune Shut Down Educational Institutions Amid Heavy Rain Warning
Authorities in Mumbai and Pune have declared a holiday for all schools and colleges on July 7, 2026, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts extremely heavy rainfall across Maharashtra. The decision was taken to ensure the safety of students and staff as the city braces for potential waterlogging and flooding. The IMD has issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane, and Pune, predicting rainfall exceeding 200 mm in 24 hours.
IMD Issues Red Alert for Multiple Districts
The IMD's latest bulletin warns of isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall in Mumbai, Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts. For Pune, a red alert has been sounded for July 7 and 8. The weather department cautioned that the intense rainfall could lead to flash floods, landslides, and significant disruption to road and rail traffic. According to IMD officials, the monsoon trough is active and a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify, further enhancing rainfall activity over the west coast.
Waterlogging and Traffic Disruptions Reported
Several low-lying areas in Mumbai, including Hindmata, King's Circle, and Sion, have reported waterlogging since early morning. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) deployed pumps and rescue teams to clear water from roads. Local train services on the Central, Western, and Harbour lines are running with delays due to water on tracks. BEST bus services have been partially diverted. The BMC has advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors unless essential. “We urge people to cooperate and follow safety guidelines. Emergency services are on standby,” said a BMC official.
Death Toll Rises Amid Ongoing Rescue Operations
At least 12 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents across Maharashtra over the past 48 hours, including three in Mumbai, four in Pune, and five in other districts. Most deaths were due to electrocution, wall collapses, and drowning. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local authorities have been conducting rescue operations in affected areas. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed district collectors to remain alert and ensure timely evacuation of people from vulnerable zones.
Air and Rail Services Affected
Flight operations at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport have been impacted, with several flights delayed or diverted due to low visibility and strong winds. IndiGo and Air India issued advisories requesting passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport. The Central Railway has cancelled or diverted some long-distance trains, including the Mumbai-Howrah and Mumbai-Chennai routes, due to waterlogging on tracks and safety concerns.
Government Advises Work from Home for Private Offices
The Maharashtra government has recommended that private companies in Mumbai, Pune, and Thane allow employees to work from home on July 7. Essential services such as healthcare, police, and municipal staff are exempted. The state education department confirmed that schools and colleges will remain closed on July 8 as well, pending a review of the weather situation. “The safety of students is our top priority. We will reassess tomorrow morning,” said a spokesperson from the education department.
Residents Stock Up as Power Cuts Occur in Some Areas
Power outages have been reported in parts of Navi Mumbai, Kalyan, and Dombivli due to safety measures taken by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL). Residents in low-lying areas have been moved to relief camps set up by the BMC. The civic body has also set up control rooms to handle complaints related to waterlogging, tree falls, and building collapses. Citizens are urged to call the helpline numbers 1916 and 100 for emergency assistance.
