Mumbai and its surrounding regions are grappling with severe disruption as three consecutive days of relentless rainfall have brought the financial capital to a near halt. Authorities have announced the closure of all government, private, and civic-run schools and colleges for Tuesday as a precautionary measure.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Mumbai, signaling the need for residents to prepare for extremely adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain and gusty winds. This alert indicates significant disruptions, transport delays, and potential power outages across the city.
Transport Links Severed Amid Downpour
The continuous downpour has severely impacted Mumbai's critical transport infrastructure, effectively severing vital road and rail links that connect the city to the rest of the country. Thousands of commuters have been left stranded due to widespread closures and restrictions.
- Mumbai-Pune Expressway: The 'Missing Link' bypass section, a crucial part of the expressway, experienced a major landslide, leading to its closure for over 18 hours. Traffic on the Mumbai-bound carriageway resumed only after extensive safety inspections.
- Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway: Waterlogging has caused significant traffic slowdowns, with efforts underway to drain floodwaters.
- Mumbai-Konkan Route: Near Nagothane, severe waterlogging left commuters stranded for more than 24 hours.
Rail services between Pune and Mumbai have also been suspended following landslides in the Thakurwadi and Monkey Hill sections, which deposited debris onto the tracks. More than 20 long-distance trains on Western Railway routes were stranded, with over 40 services affected, including 10 cancellations and several reschedulings or diversions.
Red Alert Issued, Cloudbursts Feared
The IMD has intensified its warnings, issuing a red alert for Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Nashik, and Trimbakeshwar. The forecast indicates the possibility of cloudburst-like conditions and rainfall exceeding 300 mm in isolated areas over the next two days. Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad, forming the larger Mumbai Metropolitan Region, have already recorded substantial rainfall following the monsoon's late arrival.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has specifically cautioned about a potential cloudburst in parts of Nashik and confirmed that the state government is closely monitoring the situation until at least July 8. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been strategically pre-positioned in vulnerable areas, with State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams redeployed based on the latest weather advisories to ensure rapid response capabilities.