The arrival of the southwest monsoon in Maharashtra and Kerala over the weekend has led to severe disruption across major Indian cities. Torrential rainfall has triggered widespread waterlogging, transport breakdowns, infrastructure collapse, and tragic accidents in Mumbai, Karnataka, Kerala, and parts of Delhi. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that the monsoon's arrival over Maharashtra is the earliest in 35 years, with more heavy rain forecast over the next few days.
Mumbai: City of Dreams Drenched in Chaos
Mumbai was the first metro to feel the brunt of the monsoon's early arrival. Heavy showers began late Sunday night and intensified through Monday morning, leaving large parts of the city submerged and the daily life of millions thrown into disarray.
Major Disruptions in Mumbai
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Severe waterlogging was reported across low-lying areas including Kurla, Sion, Dadar, and Parel, as rainfall pounded the city overnight.
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Railway services were suspended on the Central Railway’s Harbour Line between Vadala Road and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST) from 10:25 am on Monday due to waterlogged tracks.
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Tracks were inundated at Masjid, Byculla, Dadar, Matunga, and Badlapur, delaying numerous local trains during peak morning hours and leaving thousands of commuters stranded.
VIDEO | Mumbai: Heavy rain lashes parts of the city, Andheri Subway waterlogged after heavy showers.#mumbairain
(Full video available on PTI Videos- https://t.co/dv5TRARJn4) pic.twitter.com/80NETNTiAq— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 26, 2025
Airport and Road Impact
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Flight operations at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were significantly delayed due to low visibility and runway waterlogging.
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A portion of Kemps Corner Road in South Mumbai collapsed amid relentless rain. Located at the convergence of Breach Candy, Warden Road, Pedder Road, and Nepean Sea Road, the collapse forced traffic diversions from Kemps Corner toward Mukesh Chowk.
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Traffic slowed to a crawl at multiple junctions, including King Circle Bridge in Matunga, further compounding commuter woes.
Civic Response and Political Fallout
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BMC workers were seen clearing roads and manually unclogging drains and manholes despite heavy downpour. The city’s civic body also released images of workers sweeping flooded streets and removing debris to restore flow in waterlogged zones.
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Aaditya Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), criticized the BJP-led BMC, blaming it for inadequate preparedness and poor pre-monsoon desilting work.
This is immensely painful to see. This area was made water logging free by us 4 years ago. Today, because the bjp controlled @mybmc did not initiate the SoPs for the monsoons, it is water logged again. https://t.co/YQ24PbMvU4— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) May 26, 2025
Alerts and Evacuations
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The IMD issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar, forecasting heavy rainfall throughout Monday.
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An orange alert was sounded for Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg, predicting very heavy rainfall and gusty winds of 50-60 km/h in isolated areas.
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The BMC and MHADA identified 96 buildings as dangerous in Mumbai; about 3,100 residents have been asked to relocate to safer accommodations.
#WATCH | Maharashtra | Commuters wade through waterlogged roads as rain lashes Navi Mumbai pic.twitter.com/QfHOUIbfdr— ANI (@ANI) May 26, 2025
Karnataka: Red Alert Along the Coast, Tragedy in the Hinterlands
Karnataka’s coastal districts have been lashed by continuous rain for the third consecutive day, prompting red alerts and deployment of disaster response forces. The situation remains critical in Dakshina Kannada district, where flooding and infrastructure damage have affected everyday life.
Government Response and Alerts
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The IMD’s red alert for coastal Karnataka will remain in effect for five days.
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The government has stationed one NDRF team in Puttur and two SDRF teams in Mangaluru and Subrahmanya.
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Officials have been instructed to remain on high alert and continue monitoring water levels in vulnerable zones.
Dangerous Tourist Rescue at Waterfall
In a harrowing incident at Ergundi Falls, five tourists who had climbed to the top of the waterfall were nearly swept away as water levels surged unexpectedly. Local residents conducted a rope-based rescue operation, pulling all five to safety just in time.
Wall Collapse Claims Young Life
In Belagavi’s Gokak town, tragedy struck when the rear wall of a house collapsed due to persistent rain. Three-year-old Keerthila Nagesh Pujari died on the spot while sleeping. Her four-year-old sister sustained injuries and was admitted to a nearby hospital. The family was asleep in separate rooms when the wall gave way in the early hours of the morning.
Update on Advance of Southwest Monsoon 2025, today on 26th May 2025:
❖Southwest Monsoon has further advanced into some more parts of central Arabian Sea, some more parts of Maharashtra including Mumbai, Karnataka including Bengaluru, , remaining parts of Tamil Nadu, some parts…— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) May 26, 2025
Kerala: Northern Districts Reeling From Continuous Downpour
Kerala, which received the southwest monsoon a week ahead of schedule, has seen significant damage in its northern districts, especially Wayanad.
Floods and Evacuations
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Multiple villages, towns, and high-range areas have reported tree uprooting, road blockages, and overflowing water bodies.
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Several tribal families from Puzhamkuni hamlet in Wayanad's Sultan Bathery were evacuated to relief camps.
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Local authorities reported widespread landslides, rising river levels, and damaged roads across northern Kerala, urging people in flood-prone areas to move to safer ground.
Delhi and North India: Capital on Orange Alert
While western and southern India face the monsoon’s immediate wrath, Delhi is now under threat, with an orange alert issued for potential heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Weather Changes in the Capital
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The IMD reported light showers in Delhi on Monday morning, with minimum temperature dropping to 25.2°C, nearly 1.4°C below average.
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The orange alert advises residents to stay alert for potentially disruptive rain, lightning, and winds over the next 24–48 hours.
Climate Experts Alarmed by Early Monsoon Patterns
The monsoon’s early onset over Kerala and Maharashtra — occurring a week and 35 years ahead of schedule, respectively — has raised alarm among climate scientists. While early rains offer agricultural benefits, the intensity and unpredictability of these weather events point to broader climate volatility and urban unpreparedness.
Advisory for Citizens
With continued alerts and rainfall expected across several states, authorities have issued the following safety guidelines:
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Avoid travel through waterlogged areas; opt for work-from-home if possible.
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Stay updated with IMD forecasts.
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Report waterlogging or hazards to municipal helplines or disaster management cells.
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Do not visit waterfalls or riversides in high-rainfall zones.
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Relocate from structurally unsafe buildings if advised by authorities.
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Check for traffic congestion before heading out.
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Unplug electrical and electronic appliances.
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Follow traffic advisories issued by local authorities.
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Avoid open fields and outdoor work during thunderstorms.
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Stay away from metal objects and electrical conductors.
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Do not take shelter under tall trees or structures during storms.
India’s 2025 monsoon season has started with dramatic intensity, catching cities and administrations off guard. From the flooded streets and railway halts in Mumbai to the life-threatening rescues in Karnataka and widespread displacements in Kerala, the impact has been swift and sobering. With Delhi and other parts of North India bracing for their turn, this season underscores the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure, pre-emptive civic planning, and community awareness. As the rains intensify, staying alert, informed, and prepared will be key to mitigating further losses.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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