Mumbai rain: 14 flights diverted; schools, colleges shut
The India Meteorological Department has issued a "red alert" for heavy rainfall in Mumbai and rest of Maharashtra. In response to this warning, officials in Mumbai, Pune, Thane, and Palghar have announced the closure of schools and colleges for the day. The IMD's overall five-day forecast also includes a "red alert" for Palghar and Nashik districts and an "orange alert" for Mumbai on Thursday.
Widespread disruptions due to heavy rainfall in Maharashtra
Torrential rain hit Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra on Wednesday, causing widespread disruptions. Delays were reported in local train and flight services, with 14 incoming flights to Mumbai Airport being diverted due to the severe weather conditions. Severe waterlogging led to traffic congestion across several areas including Kurla East, Nehru Nagar and Chembur. A landslide at Mumbra bypass further impacted movement in the city.
IMD issues 'orange alert' for several regions
The IMD has issued an "orange alert" for heavy to very heavy rainfall, along with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in isolated areas of Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Dhule, Nandurbar and Pune. The regional meteorological center in Mumbai stated in its latest weather bulletin that these conditions are "very likely." Additionally, the department has warned of heavy rainfall in Madhya Maharashtra as well as the Gujarat region, Konkan and Goa from Thursday until Friday.
Local train services resume after heavy rains
Mumbai's local train services on the Harbour line resumed after water levels receded following Wednesday's heavy rains. Trains were delayed and running at reduced speeds, as confirmed by Central Railways. "Harbour line local trains have resumed after the water receded between Govandi-Mankhurd. Trains are running with caution and a restricted speed of 25km/h," said the CPRO of Central Railway in a statement. Services on Central Railway's main line also resumed as rainfall eased and water cleared from tracks.
Landslide and casualty reported amid heavy rains
Heavy rains triggered a landslide at the Mumbra bypass around 11:30pm on Wednesday, causing a three-hour-long traffic jam. Fire officer Swapnil Sarnobat confirmed that no casualties were reported from this incident. Separately, a 45-year-old woman, Vimal Gaikwad, drowned in an open drain in the MIDC area of Andheri due to the heavy rains. She was rescued by Mumbai fire brigade but declared dead on arrival at Cooper Hospital.
