Mumbai has been issued a red alert by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) until 8:30 am on Thursday, September 26, following incessant heavy rains. The city has been hit hard with floods, landslides, and major disruptions across multiple sectors, causing chaos and traffic gridlocks. On Wednesday evening, the Mumbra bypass in Thane experienced a landslide at around 9:30 pm due to the heavy downpour, leading to severe traffic congestion.
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Flight and Train Services Affected Due to Heavy Rain
The extreme weather conditions have disrupted transportation in Mumbai. At least 14 incoming flights were diverted from the Mumbai airport on Wednesday, with airlines warning passengers of potential delays and cancellations. Trains on the Central Line were temporarily halted between Kurla and Thane due to waterlogging, although services have resumed with possible delays.
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School and College Closures Announced
In light of the continuous heavy rain, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges on Thursday. Similar closures were also announced in Thane and Pimpri-Chinchwad due to the flooding. The Mumbai Police has advised citizens to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
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Tragic Incident in Andheri Due to Waterlogging
A tragic incident occurred in Andheri, where a 45-year-old woman drowned in an open drain overflowing due to waterlogging. Despite rescue efforts, she was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. This incident has heightened concerns about the city’s drainage infrastructure during heavy rains. Additionally, two laborers lost their lives after being struck by lightning in Kalyan's Kamba village, and another woman drowned near a waterfall in Khopoli.
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Bus Routes Diverted as Waterlogging Worsens
The continuous downpour has also led to several bus route diversions in the city. Routes such as Dadar TT, Shivaji Nagar, and Shell Colony have been altered due to waterlogging, and operations for certain routes have been suspended since Wednesday night. Commuters are advised to check for updates on bus services.
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PM Modi’s Pune Event Venue Muddy Due to Rain
The venue for Prime Minister Modi’s program in Pune, the SP College grounds, was flooded with muddy water after the rains. Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar visited the site and assured that necessary arrangements would be made to avoid inconvenience during the event.
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Weather Forecast Predicts Continued Rainfall
The IMD has predicted a generally cloudy atmosphere with heavy rainfall continuing over the next few days. Mumbai recorded over 200 mm of rainfall in several areas within just five hours on Wednesday. Isolated heavy rains are expected to persist in Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad until at least September 27, keeping the city on high alert.
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IMD Issues Orange Alert for Mumbai as Rain Subsides
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has downgraded the rainfall alert for Mumbai to orange, signaling an easing of the heavy downpours that previously paralyzed the city. Waterlogging levels have significantly decreased, allowing for improved conditions.
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Previous Red Alert Triggers Emergency Response
On Wednesday, intense rain prompted the IMD to issue a red alert for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad. The situation led to widespread disruptions across the region, with Pune also placed under orange alert due to severe waterlogging in multiple areas.
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Citizens Advised to Stay Indoors
In light of the ongoing weather conditions, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged citizens to refrain from unnecessary outings. In a post on X, he emphasized, “Please stay safe everyone and don’t step out if not necessary. All local, state, and central government agencies are working hard and closely coordinating to mitigate the situation. Keep following the alerts and messages from respective agencies/departments.”
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Orange Alert Issued for Pune Amidst Heavy Rainfall
Pune has also been placed under an orange alert as the IMD noted 'very heavy' rainfall in the area over the past 24 hours. The city experienced around 133 mm of rain in Shivajinagar, leading to significant flooding that resulted in the cancellation of a public rally featuring Prime Minister Modi.
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Relief Expected in the Coming Days
According to IMD Director Sunil Kamble, the forecast indicates that rainfall will decrease over the next five to six days. “Today, we have issued an orange alert for Mumbai. Starting tomorrow, green and yellow alerts will be implemented. By October 5, we expect the monsoon to withdraw,” he stated, providing hope for relief from the intense weather.
With inputs from agencies
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