Severe Rainfall Alert Issued in Mumbai: IMD Warns of Extreme Weather Conditions
The city of Mumbai, India’s financial capital, is currently facing severe weather conditions as the monsoon has arrived with heavy rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar, while a red alert has been issued for nearby Raigad district. This alert signifies the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall, posing serious risks to daily life, transport, and safety in the region.
Monsoon Arrives with Force
Mumbai’s monsoon season, which typically begins in June, has come in strong this year. The IMD had predicted an active monsoon due to favorable oceanic and atmospheric conditions, and this forecast is proving accurate. Over the past twenty-four hours, Mumbai has recorded more than ninety-five millimeters of rainfall in many areas, and the situation is expected to intensify in the coming days.
According to IMD forecasts, heavy to very heavy rainfall will continue for the next seventy-two hours. The orange alert for Mumbai and the red alert for Raigad district are in place until at least June 18, and authorities are monitoring the conditions closely. The monsoon rain bands are expected to bring more than two hundred millimeters of rainfall in some parts of the city and surrounding districts.
Areas Most Affected
Heavy rain has led to waterlogging and flooding in several low-lying areas of Mumbai, including Andheri, Malad, Kurla, Chembur, Parel, Dadar, and Sion. In Andheri, the subway has been closed due to excessive water accumulation. Similar scenes have been reported from the Eastern Express Highway and parts of Western Express Highway where traffic movement is slow and often diverted.
In central Mumbai, areas like Parel and Dadar witnessed overflowing drains, making roads impassable during peak morning and evening hours. In Kurla, water levels reached knee height in some housing colonies. Traffic congestion is being reported city-wide, and commuters are being advised to avoid non-essential travel.
Public Transport Disrupted
Mumbai’s famed public transportation system has also been affected. Local train services on both the Western and Central lines have faced delays and brief stoppages due to waterlogged tracks. Suburban railway services, considered the city’s lifeline, are running at reduced frequency, especially during peak rainfall hours. Metro services in some areas have reported slower speeds for safety.
Air travel has also been impacted. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport saw delays in both domestic and international flights. Airlines including IndiGo and Air India have asked passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to account for traffic delays due to the rain.
Marine Warning and Coastal Risk
Along with heavy rainfall, the IMD has warned of rough sea conditions. Waves as high as four and a half meters have been forecast near the Mumbai coast. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, and beachgoers are being asked to stay away from marine areas.
In areas like Marine Drive, Worli Sea face, and Juhu Beach, high tide combined with rain has led to flooding of nearby roads and pedestrian areas. Lifeguards have been deployed, and police presence has been increased in these zones to prevent any untoward incidents.
Response by Authorities
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken emergency measures to control the situation. Pumps are being used to drain out water in flooded areas, and temporary shelters have been set up for people who may need evacuation. The BMC has activated control rooms and is closely working with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
In several flood-prone areas, disaster management teams have been stationed, and residents are being kept informed through mobile alerts and loudspeakers. Schools and colleges in some parts of Raigad and Palghar have been temporarily closed as a safety measure.
The Maharashtra state government has instructed all district collectors and municipal commissioners to be on high alert and to ensure timely relief operations. Helicopter rescue and additional NDRF teams are on standby in case the situation worsens.
Reported Damages and Casualties
As per official reports, eighteen people have lost their lives across Maharashtra due to rain-related incidents since June 1. These include cases of house collapses, electrocution, and drowning. More than sixty-five individuals have been injured, and property damage in urban and rural areas has been widespread.
In Mumbai alone, dozens of trees have been uprooted, and several vehicles have been damaged due to flooding or debris. Power supply disruptions have also been reported in parts of the city, particularly in the suburbs where electrical infrastructure is more vulnerable.
Precautionary Measures for Residents
Authorities are urging residents to follow all safety guidelines during this period. Citizens are advised to:
- Stay indoors unless travel is absolutely necessary.
- Avoid walking or driving through flooded roads.
- Keep emergency kits, power banks, and drinking water ready.
- Follow updates from IMD and BMC on weather and safety advisories.
- Call BMC helpline or NDRF in case of emergencies.
For those living in low-lying or landslide-prone areas, evacuation plans are being prepared. Community shelters and food distribution centers are ready to serve displaced individuals if needed.
