Rescue services on alert as rain pounds Maharashtra’s coastline; flights diverted
The Hindu
Emergency services on high alert in Maharashtra's coastal belt due to heavy rains, impacting flights, transportation, and safety measures.
Emergency services are on high alert in Maharashtra’s coastal belt following heavy rains in the Mumbai and Konkan regions on Sunday. The forecast is similar for Raigad and Ratnagiri on Monday and Tuesday. At least 15 flights had to be diverted from Mumbai because of the weather.
Coastal Maharashtra has witnessed incessant rains for two days. Barring Palghar district, the entire coastal belt is on orange alert from Thane to Sindhudurg district, according to the Indian Meteorological Department.
The incessant rain inundated several low-lying areas of Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and multiple areas of Khed, Mahad, Ratnagiri, Raigad, etc.
According to the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday, Mumbai city received 100 mm rainfall, the eastern suburbs 118 mm, and the western suburbs 110 mm.
The Mumbai Police have issued an advisory asking citizens to avoid visiting coastal areas and also avoid leaving their homes, unless necessary.
Despite the heavy rains, railway traffic largely remained unaffected, barring operational delays of up to 15 minutes. The local bus services had to be diverted to prevent flooded roads.
At least 15 flights had to be diverted from Mumbai to other cities, mainly to Ahmedabad. Poor visibility resulted in flight operations having to be suspended twice on Sunday at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.