Torrential rain has thrown life out of gear across Mumbai and its surrounding areas, with waterlogging reported from several localities and both BEST bus services and suburban local train services taking a hit. Along with the flooding, incidents of trees falling have also been reported from across the city. Anticipating the impact of the red alert for heavy rain, schools and colleges had already been shut in advance.
Rainfall figures across the city
According to figures shared by the BMC, Mumbai has been witnessing intermittent but heavy spells of rain since morning. Between 8 am and the latest update, Colaba recorded the highest rainfall at 290 mm, well above every other part of the city. In the eastern suburbs, Vikhroli recorded 114 mm and Tilak Nagar 111 mm. In the western suburbs, Versova recorded 114 mm and Jogeshwari 112 mm. Marine Lines in South Mumbai recorded 121 mm. The numbers show that nearly every corner of the city has been hit hard by the downpour.
Areas where water has flooded the streets
Per information from the BMC, roads in several parts of the city have gone under water. In the eastern suburbs, waterlogging complaints have come in from Kakinada, Mankhurd, Kurla, Ashok Nagar, Kurla West, DWSR Bandhan, Powai and Majhiwada. In the western suburbs, water has accumulated on roads in Andheri, Vile Parle, Malad, Goregaon and Dahisar. Residents of these localities have faced serious difficulty commuting to work and school.
Rescue operation with ropes in Vasai's Madhuban
The most serious situation emerged in the Madhuban locality of Vasai East, where water levels rose sharply after the heavy rain. At several spots the water reached up to people's necks, trapping local residents in their homes and lanes. Recognising the severity of the situation, a fire brigade team rushed to the spot and launched an immediate rescue operation. Personnel used ropes to wade into the flooded area and pulled out around 20 to 25 people to safety. The entire operation was carried out under extremely challenging conditions, with the team having to move through strong currents and deep water. The administration has appealed to citizens to avoid waterlogged areas and to strictly follow safety instructions.
Nehru Nagar in Kurla East turns into a pool
Conditions are equally bad in the Nehru Nagar area of Kurla East, where more than two feet of water has accumulated on the road. Vehicle wheels are seen half submerged in water, and residents are finding it extremely difficult to step out. The situation has deteriorated to the point that rainwater has even entered nearby school premises, disrupting classes and daily routines.
Loss of life and injuries
The heavy rain has also led to loss of life and injuries. One person died in an incident in South Mumbai. In other incidents, three people were injured. Near Marine Lines, the glass of a bus fell, injuring one man and one woman, who were rushed for treatment.
Impact on local trains and BEST bus services
The rain has not spared Mumbai's local train network, often called the city's lifeline. On the Western Railway, water on the tracks between Nalasopara and Vasai has caused delays of 20 to 25 minutes. However, in some relief, Central Railway trains continued to run normally. As for BEST bus services, waterlogging has disrupted operations on 5 routes in western Mumbai and 1 route in eastern Mumbai.
Several roads shut as a precaution
Given the risk of waterlogging and accidents, the BMC and the police have shut down movement on several roads across the city. Citizens have been clearly told to avoid these stretches. The roads closed include Chembur's Pension Gumfa Road, E. Highway Mega Road, Andheri's Veeran Baug Dirar Road, the BKC mall connecting road and Goregaon Link Road.
Trees fall near Taj Hotel and in Malad
Strong rain and wind brought down a large tree near the iconic Taj Hotel in Colaba. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported in this incident. Similarly, a tree fell in Malad West, badly damaging a parked vehicle, though no injuries have been reported there either.
Angry residents in Jogeshwari West's Vaishali Nagar
In the Vaishali Nagar area on SV Road in Jogeshwari West in the western suburbs, rainwater has flooded the road. The strong flow of water even forced open a manhole cover, following which the BMC put up barricading at the spot immediately. Local residents in the area are visibly angry at the administration, alleging that drains were not cleaned properly ahead of the monsoon, and that this is why the water is now unable to drain out.
CST Road in Chembur also goes under water
Meanwhile, CST Road in Chembur's Swastik Park area has also gone completely under water. The large volume of water on the road has caused serious trouble for pedestrians and motorists alike. Shops along the road are also at risk of water entering them. Shopkeepers say that if the rain intensifies further, the situation could worsen and they could suffer heavy losses if water enters their shops.
Minister Girish Mahajan reviews the situation
Minister Girish Mahajan visited the BMC's disaster control room to review the situation amid the continuous rain in Mumbai. He said that in view of the heavy rain, the administration has completed all necessary safety and relief arrangements. He added that teams from the BMC and related departments have been put on 24-hour alert. Keeping the red alert in mind, the minister specifically appealed to people, especially tourists, not to step out of their homes unless necessary, and to avoid taking selfies near the sea or engaging in any risky activity. The BMC has also reiterated its appeal to citizens to stay indoors and step out only when absolutely necessary.
