Mumbai: Heavy showers throw life out of gear once again
Twenty days after "typhoon-like" rains inundated Mumbai, the city once again battled heavy showers and life was thrown out of gear. Yesterday, the city recorded rainfall between 40mm-130mm. Downpour continued this morning. Andheri, Bandra, Borivali, Churchgate, Colaba, CST, Dadar, Santacruz, Vile Parle and Worli were the worst affected. Waterlogging was reported in Andheri, Bhandup, Borivali, Goregaon, Hindmata, Kandivali, Kharghar, Malad, Mankhurd and Sion.
Road, rail and air movement hit severely
At least 13 flights have been delayed, 15 cancelled and 55 diverted. The main runway has been closed till 2pm: a SpiceJet aircraft overshot while landing on the wet runway and got stuck in mud. On Western Railways, five trains have been cancelled. On Central, six have been cancelled and two diverted. Traffic is moving slow in various parts; Mumbai Police is tweeting updates.
Massive crowds in Mumbai trains
Call these numbers for help
Schools and colleges in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region have been declared shut on September 20. The dabbawalas won't work today. Reach out to the BMC (1916), Mumbai Police (100 or 22621855) or MCGM (1969) in case of need.
Will BMC be able to handle the situation this time?
After Mumbai was submerged on August 30, the BMC was criticized for ineffectively dealing with the situation. BMC instead blamed the IMD, Central Railways and traffic department for the fiasco. Two days ago, the IMD issued warnings of heavy showers. BMC had said it is prepared to deal with the predicted rainfall. This will be a major test for the civic body.
