Heavy Rains Lash Mumbai and Pune; Red Alert Issued
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai and Pune as heavy rains continue to batter the regions, causing widespread disruptions. On Sunday, the city of Mumbai recorded over 200 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, leading to waterlogging in low-lying areas and traffic snarls on major roads. The IMD has warned of extremely heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Schools and Colleges Closed; Public Advised to Stay Home
In response to the red alert, the Maharashtra government has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in Mumbai, Pune, and surrounding districts. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has advised private companies to allow work-from-home for their employees. Local train services, the lifeline of Mumbai, are running with delays of up to 30 minutes due to waterlogging on tracks. The Western and Central Railways have deployed additional staff to manage the situation.
Flight and Train Operations 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. At least 10 flights were diverted to nearby airports like Ahmedabad and Jaipur. Train services on the Konkan Railway have been suspended as a precautionary measure, and long-distance trains are being rerouted. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway has also seen reduced speed limits, with authorities advising motorists to drive cautiously.
Navi Mumbai and Thane Also Hit
Neighboring areas of Navi Mumbai and Thane have also experienced heavy downpours, with reports of water entering homes in low-lying settlements. The Thane Municipal Corporation has set up relief camps for affected residents. In Pune, the Mula-Mutha river is flowing near the danger mark, prompting authorities to evacuate people from riverbank areas. The IMD has forecast that the rains will continue for the next two days, with an orange alert for Tuesday.
Government Response and Safety Measures
The Maharashtra State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams in vulnerable areas. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has reviewed the situation and directed officials to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential services. Citizens have been urged to contact the control room on helpline numbers 1916 and 108 in case of emergencies. The BMC has also released a list of 50 flood-prone spots in Mumbai, advising people to avoid those areas.
According to an IMD official, "The red alert indicates that extremely heavy rainfall is expected, which could lead to flooding and landslides. People should take necessary precautions and avoid venturing out unless absolutely necessary." The weather department has also warned of possible lightning strikes and gusty winds.
