Rains cripple Mumbai: Flights and trains delayed, water-logging, traffic jams
What's the story
Heavy rainfall lashed Mumbai today, crippling normal life. Over 32 flights were delayed, three were cancelled and two were diverted. Trains on Central Railway line are running late by 15 minutes, even as water-logging and traffic bottlenecks have been witnessed in several parts of the city. People have been warned to stay indoors and fishermen have been asked not to venture into the sea.
Details
Roads have become slippery, rail tracks submerged in water
A vehicle had tripped over in Parel due to slippery roads, after which Mumbai Police, in a tweet, warned people to drive slowly. Low-lying areas like Parel, Mahim and Elphinstone Road have already reported water-logging. BMC has installed pumps in several locations to flush out excess water. Some passengers traveling by local trains tweeted that in several stations the tracks are submerged in water.
Twitter Post
Mumbai Police's advice: Decrease speed, increase cautiousness
You surely don’t want your vehicle you lying like that on the road, in the rains! The roads are slippery it’s consequence was seen this morning at Lower Parel!Thankfully no casualties.Please drive extra carefully. Decrease speed, increase cautiousness #MumbaiRains #RoadSafety pic.twitter.com/f0LbGGN5wS
— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) June 9, 2018
Predictions
The rainfall will have maximum intensity today: MeT
Central Railways Chief PRO, Sunil Udasi said that due to the heavy lashing, portion of a wall collapsed and filled the tracks with debris. "The debris was removed immediately and for some time, trains on down slow line were diverted to the fast line," he said. The Regional Meteorological Centre said the downpour will have maximum intensity today, which will subside by tomorrow.
Twitter Post
Tracks leading to CST station underneath water, already!
#mumbairains this is #cststation pic.twitter.com/5S993994Ry
— Dewang Trivedi (@DewangT) June 9, 2018
Decisions
BMC's steps: Senior officials' leaves cancelled, NDRF teams ready
Taking a note of IMD's predictions, BMC had taken precautionary steps. It had cancelled leaves of all senior officials during the weekend, who have been directed to be present at their headquarters in Fort area on June 9 (today) and June 10 (tomorrow). Among other measures, several teams of Navy have been kept at stand-by, armed with rescue and relied materials.
Steps taken
Preparations on keeping flood in mind; emergency services kept standby
Three NDRF teams have been stationed at Parel, Mankhurd (for eastern suburbs), and Andheri Sports Complex (for western suburbs), which are equipped with walkie-talkies and flood rescue-material. Additionally, six Flood Rescue Teams of Mumbai Fire Brigade will be posted at the Regional Command Centers. Emergency support functions like BEST (bus transport system), Mumbai Police, traffic police and education officers have also been alerted.