Relentless Showers Soak Mumbai: BMC Issues Rain Alert, Flight & Road Disruptions Reported

Mumbai: Mumbai woke up to heavy downpours on Thursday morning, triggering localized flooding, road closures, and minor flight delays. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting continued heavy to very heavy rainfall, city authorities remain on alert to manage the situation.

Several areas including CSMT, Kurla, Dadar, Sion, Mulund, and Byculla were hit by intense overnight showers, resulting in waterlogging across low-lying roads. The Andheri subway has been shut down for vehicular movement due to nearly 1.5 feet of water accumulation, with traffic now being rerouted through Gokhale and Thackeray bridges.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s Disaster Management Cell issued an update around 9:30 am warning of intense rain activity in the city over the next few hours. Citizens have been urged to remain indoors unless travel is essential. Emergency response teams have been deployed across flood-prone zones.

The IMD issued an orange alert for Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai, while a yellow alert remains in place for Palghar. Weather officials stated that strong monsoon currents over the Konkan coast could result in heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours. A high tide of 4.5 meters is expected around 3:30 pm, raising the risk of waterlogging if rainfall intensifies during that time.

Suburban train services, though operational, reported minor delays. Railway officials are monitoring flood-prone sections of the Central and Western lines to avoid service suspension. Airport authorities confirmed that a few flights were slightly delayed during the morning hours. Airlines, including IndiGo, issued travel advisories requesting passengers to leave early and check for live flight updates due to potential weather-related disruptions.

Wind speeds along the coast may vary between 20 to 30 kmph, occasionally gusting higher. The maximum temperature is expected to remain near 30°C, with high humidity and persistent rain throughout the day.

Mumbai Police and civic officials have issued public safety advisories, urging residents to avoid seafronts, remain alert, and dial emergency helplines if necessary. “Our teams are on high alert. Citizens should avoid unnecessary travel and take precautions to stay safe,” a senior BMC officer said.