Mumbai Rains live updates: IMD issues orange alert
Residents of Mumbai woke up to a wet morning on Wednesday, with heavy downpour during the night throwing normal life out of the gear. Courtesy rainfall, schools were ordered to remain shut, trains were delayed, and traffic disruptions were reported from several parts of the city. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded an "orange alert" till September 6. Here's more.
Several areas of Mumbai recorded high rainfall
On Wednesday, Mumbai, as well as neighboring areas like Thane and Palghar, recorded heavy rainfall. In three hours, 130.05 mm rainfall was recorded at Vile Parle Fire station. Similarly, Andheri eastward office, Andheri westward office, Wadala fire station, Kurla fire station, and Kurla recorded 118.36, 88.4 mm, 84.05 mm, 79.76 mm, and 64.24 mm rainfall respectively. IMD Colaba observatory recorded 30.4mm of rains.
Principals were asked to ensure safety of children by BMC
Considering IMD's warning, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) ordered schools to remain shut. "The Principals of the schools where students are already in are requested to take all precautions and ensure that the children are sent back home carefully and safely," the civic body tweeted earlier.
Train services were hit due to water-logging
As expected, train services also took a hit in Mumbai. "Due to heavy rain and poor visibility, mainline suburban trains are running 10-12 minutes late and Harbor line trains running 10 minutes late," the Central Railways said in a statement. Trains were temporarily suspended between Thane and CSMT stations due to water-logging. Services were also suspended on Harbor line between Chunabhatti and Mankhurd.
Road commuters faced problems but air traffic wasn't adversely affected
The incessant rainfall adversely affected traffic movement in areas like Ghatkopar, Sakinaka Junction, Chembur, and Dadar. Commuters also suffered in Sion, Parel, King's Circle, Dadar, and Byculla. "Please take adequate precautions and ensure safety #Dial100 in case of an emergency (sic)," Mumbai Police tweeted. However, no major air traffic disruptions were reported from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, barring delays of 10-15 minutes.
Downpour dampened Ganpati celebrations, pandals asked to switch-off electric supply
The downpour has also had an effect on Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, which started on Monday. The Hindu festival lasting 12 days is celebrated with fervor in Mumbai. Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti, the umbrella body of all Ganpati mandals, has asked authorities to stop their electric supply. This decision was taken after several pandals at Sion and Kurla complained of water-logging.
