Mumbai Paralyzed by Torrential Rainfall

Mumbai experienced severe disruptions on Monday morning as heavy, continuous overnight rain left many areas waterlogged. The downpour has brought the bustling city to a standstill, affecting transportation and daily activities. Low-lying areas, including the busy Andheri subway, have been submerged, leading to its closure. Visuals from the scene depict the subway inundated with floodwaters, while local trains continue to operate above it. Commuters are seen wading through waterlogged streets in Andheri, highlighting the impact of the relentless rain on daily life.

Weather Alerts and Safety Advisories Issued

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an ‘orange’ alert for extremely heavy rainfall in Mumbai and Raigad. A ‘yellow’ alert is also in place for Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar, indicating the likelihood of intermittent heavy rains continuing for the next 24 hours. The IMD has advised residents to avoid coastal areas and unnecessary travel due to a high tide reaching 3.88 meters at 9:19 am, with another expected at 8:31 pm rising to 3.42 meters.

Airlines Respond to Adverse Weather Conditions

In response to the adverse weather conditions, airlines such as IndiGo and SpiceJet have issued advisories for passengers. IndiGo has warned of slow-moving traffic on routes to the airport due to the steady downpour and advised travelers to plan ahead and check flight statuses before departure. SpiceJet has also cautioned that all departures and arrivals may be affected by the heavy rain, urging passengers to monitor their flight status closely.

Impact on Water Reservoirs

The heavy rainfall comes after an early onset of monsoon last month. According to data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), as of July 19, the combined water stock in Mumbai’s seven reservoirs reached 81.86% of their total capacity. This increase in water levels is crucial for the city’s water supply but also poses challenges in managing excess water during such intense rainfall events.