As Mumbai faces deluge, Maharashtra CM assures high priority help to citizens

IMD issues red alert for Mumbai after heavy rain causes waterlogging, train disruptions, and flight cancellations.

The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Mumbai after the financial capital received between 267 to 300 mm of rain in a heavy downpour from Sunday night.

The heavy rain disrupted normal life, with severe waterlogging on important routes and low-lying areas leading to traffic jams across the city. Many railway tracks were submerged and train services disrupted. About 50 flights had been cancelled by various airlines till 11 a.m. on Monday.

“Heavy rains in some low-lying areas led to waterlogging and disruption of suburban train services. Heavy rain is also expected today (Monday),” the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said in a statement.

Andheri, Kurla, Bhandup, King’s Circle, Vile Parle and Dadar are facing significant water accumulation. Vehicles could be seen drifting in rainwater, and pedestrians were wading through knee-deep water on the streets.

At 8.35 a.m., a National Disaster Response Force team rescued two girls following a landslide at Vikhroli Park Site.

Highest priority was being accorded to helping citizens, and all systems were on a 24-hour alert, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said. Mr. Shinde held a meeting with multiple agencies, including the State Disaster Control Cell, the BMC, and the railway administration, to review the situation. Teams at the district level were working in coordination to resolve issues, the CM said.

“About 5,000 places in Mumbai are being monitored from the BMC control room. A flood gate is being installed at the Mithi river so that sea water will not enter the city during high tide. Accumulated water is being pumped into the river. Pumping stations have been set up at seven places in Mumbai,” Mr. Shinde said.