Mumbai witnessed severe disruption on Wednesday as record-breaking rains wreaked havoc across the city. The torrential downpour claimed four lives, led to widespread waterlogging, halted local train services, and forced the diversion of 14 incoming flights. With continuous heavy rain expected, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai and neighboring districts, urging residents to remain indoors.
Severe Disruptions Across Mumbai
The heavy rainfall, which hit over 200 mm in just five hours, caused widespread chaos in the city. Local trains, which serve as Mumbai’s lifeline, were brought to a standstill due to waterlogged tracks, leading to significant disruption. Although services resumed on Thursday morning, the interruptions caused considerable delays for commuters.
Flight operations were also severely impacted. Strong winds and rain led air traffic controllers to divert 14 flights to other cities, with seven redirected to Hyderabad, four to Ahmedabad, two to Goa’s Mopa Airport, and one to Udaipur. Nine of these flights were operated by IndiGo, while others belonged to Vistara, Air India, Akasa, and Gulf Air.
Four Fatalities Due to Heavy Rain
The heavy rains claimed the lives of four people in separate incidents. In Andheri, a 45-year-old woman named Vimal Anil Gaikwad drowned in a nullah overflowing with rainwater. Rescue teams responded swiftly but were unable to save her. Two men in Kalyan’s Varap village were killed by lightning while working in a stone quarry, and another woman tragically drowned near the Zenith waterfall in Khopoli.
The persistent rains have raised concerns about safety in low-lying areas, and authorities have called for vigilance during the red alert period. Schools and colleges in Mumbai and Thane have been declared closed as a precautionary measure.
PM Modi’s Pune Visit Cancelled
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Pune on Wednesday was called off due to heavy rain in the city. He was expected to inaugurate a new metro corridor at a public rally in Shivajinagar. However, continuous rainfall and waterlogging at the event site forced the cancellation. Pune itself broke its 86-year September rainfall record, with 131 mm of rain recorded in just three hours on Wednesday afternoon.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who had overseen arrangements for the event, expressed disappointment but acknowledged the safety concerns caused by the heavy rains.
Authorities Urge Caution Amid Weather Warnings
With the IMD predicting continued isolated heavy rainfall until September 27, authorities have ramped up safety warnings. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took to social media, urging citizens to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. “Please stay safe everyone and don’t step out if not necessary. All local, state, and central agencies are working closely to mitigate the situation,” he said in a post on X.
In addition to the red alert for Mumbai, neighboring districts such as Thane, Palghar, and Raigad have also been placed under similar warnings. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has deployed teams to manage flood-prone areas and respond to emergencies. With more rain expected, the city remains on high alert as officials work to restore normalcy.
In conclusion, Mumbai’s record rainfall has caused widespread damage and disruption, with fatalities, flight diversions, and event cancellations adding to the city’s woes. As authorities continue their efforts to manage the situation, residents are being urged to prioritize safety and remain indoors until the rains subside.
(With inputs from agencies)
