IMD Issues Red Alert Amid Torrential 500mm Downpour In 84 Hours News24 –

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has again issued a red alert for Mumbai and Raigad districts this morning, warning of heavy rains and winds gusting up to 65 kmph. The red alert for the second consecutive day has prompted the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to declare a holiday for all schools and colleges across Mumbai city and suburbs.

Mumbai has been receiving continuous heavy rainfall since Monday morning, and over 500 mm rainfall has been recorded in the last 84 hours. The rains have led to severe waterlogging in areas like Chembur, Dadar, Hindmata, Andheri and King’s Circle, disrupting daily life and raising questions over flood preparedness.

Though crores of rupees have been spent on underground tanks and new drainage systems in the city, water continued to stagnate for several hours in old waterlogged areas.

Two people were reported dead on Monday one due to a wall collapse on Napean Sea Road and another due to electrocution in Kanjurmarg. A man who entered the Mitti river is yet to be traced. One person was injured when a tree fell on him in Sahar.

Traffic is slow in many areas of the city, while trains on the Central, Harbour and Western Railway lines are running late. Some trains are delayed by up to an hour. At the airport too, at least 10 flights had to be rerouted and one flight was diverted due to rain and poor visibility.

The University of Mumbai has postponed 32 exams scheduled for today, which will now be held on August 23. The impact of the red alert is also being seen in areas around Mumbai schools and colleges have been closed in Navi Mumbai, Thane, Mira-Bhayander and Palghar.

In view of the heavy rains and waterlogging, the BMC has deployed all its field teams. Engineers, pump operators and emergency workers have been deployed in major flood-affected areas.

As the weather department has forecast further heavy rains and the red alert is still in force, life in Mumbai is likely to be disrupted further. This is believed to be the most severe monsoon alert so far and the administration is under tremendous pressure to handle the situation.

Citizens have been urged not to step out of their homes unless absolutely necessary. Emergency services are on standby and BMC’s helpline 1916 has been activated to provide immediate assistance to those in need.