Mumbai Paralyzed by Torrential Rains: Schools Closed, Flights and Trains Disrupted

IMD Issues Red Alert as Mumbai Braces for Heavy Rainfall

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai and its neighboring regions, warning of severe thunderstorms, lightning, and extremely heavy rainfall. The forecast for Wednesday evening predicted intense downpours across multiple districts, including Mumbai, Palghar, and Satara. Additionally, gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 km/h have been predicted in isolated areas, increasing the risk of damage and disruption. The IMD has urged residents to take all necessary precautions, advising them to avoid stepping outside unless absolutely necessary.

Air Travel Disrupted at Mumbai Airport Due to Severe Weather

Flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport have been severely impacted by the ongoing weather conditions. Earlier in the day, an Indigo flight was forced to abort its landing due to wind shear and had to divert to Ahmedabad, causing further delays for other flights. As of 8:09 PM, a total of seven go-arounds and two diversions had been reported, with additional disruptions expected as the rain continues to pour. Airlines, including SpiceJet, have alerted passengers to regularly check their flight status on the airline’s website as delays and cancellations remain highly likely.

Mumbai's Rail Network Struggles Amid Heavy Flooding

The torrential rains have also wreaked havoc on Mumbai’s suburban railway network, one of the city's lifelines. Flooded rail tracks at Kurla, Bhandup, and Vikhroli stations have caused delays of up to an hour on the Central Railway (CR) line. Trains have been forced to skip several key stations, including Nahur, Kanjurmarg, and Vidyavihar, causing immense inconvenience to commuters. The Western line has not fared much better, with multiple cancellations reported. Churchgate station and other major hubs have seen heavy crowding as passengers deal with extended delays. The impact on the local train network is expected to continue until the rain subsides, worsening the city’s already strained transportation system.

BMC Announces Closure of Schools and Colleges Amid Rising Concerns

In response to the IMD’s red alert, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared that all schools and colleges in Mumbai will remain closed on Thursday, September 26. This precautionary measure has been taken to ensure the safety of students and staff as the city grapples with incessant rainfall and its resulting disruptions. The BMC has also advised Mumbaikars to remain indoors unless travel is absolutely necessary. "We urge residents to stay home and avoid stepping out unless it's essential," the BMC said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Mumbai's Roads and Public Transport Strain Under the Deluge

Mumbai’s road traffic has also been severely impacted as waterlogging has occurred in low-lying areas across the city. Several key roads and junctions have seen slow-moving traffic, with vehicles struggling to navigate through flooded streets. Areas like Sion, Andheri, and King’s Circle have been particularly affected, with knee-deep water making travel nearly impossible. Public buses have also been delayed, adding to the city’s transportation woes. The continuous rain has further heightened the risk of traffic accidents, and authorities have advised drivers to exercise caution.

IMD's Updated Forecast for Mumbai and Surrounding Areas

The IMD has cautioned that the weather system responsible for the heavy rains is expected to persist for the next few days. A trough extending from the North Konkan region to South Bangladesh, combined with a cyclonic circulation over South Chhattisgarh, is driving the current weather patterns. This system has strengthened over the past 24 hours, resulting in widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall across Mumbai, Konkan, Madhya Maharashtra, and Marathwada. The IMD has predicted rainfall levels ranging from 64.5 mm to 204.4 mm, with some areas likely to experience extreme heavy rainfall exceeding 204.5 mm.

Heavy Winds and Thunderstorms Continue to Batter Maharashtra

The weather forecast warns of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds, with speeds between 40-50 km/h. These conditions are expected to continue across Maharashtra for the next few days. The weather system includes a trough and shear zone that has merged with other atmospheric disturbances, creating intense conditions across the state. The IMD has also noted that these conditions could cause further disruptions in transportation and daily life, urging residents to remain vigilant.

Authorities on Alert as Mumbai Prepares for More Rain

With the city already reeling under the effects of the heavy downpour, authorities have put disaster management teams on high alert to respond to emergencies. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been placed on standby to assist with evacuations and rescue operations if needed. The BMC has also issued instructions to local authorities to keep pumps and flood control systems ready to prevent further waterlogging in vulnerable areas.

Impact on Daily Life as Mumbai Prepares for Worse Weather

As Mumbai continues to experience relentless rain, the city is bracing for further challenges in the days ahead. Schools and colleges have been closed, transport systems are overwhelmed, and residents are facing mounting difficulties in their daily commute. With more rain forecasted, Mumbaikars are preparing to navigate the disruptions brought on by the extreme weather.

The IMD has advised residents to stay updated on weather alerts and take necessary precautions to ensure safety in the coming days, as the situation remains unpredictable.