Mumbai and large parts of Maharashtra witnessed relentless rainfall on Tuesday, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for the city as well as several surrounding regions. The downpour, which intensified overnight, disrupted daily life with severe waterlogging in low-lying areas, traffic congestion on arterial roads, and delays in suburban train services that millions of commuters rely upon.
The IMD confirmed that the heavy rainfall over Mumbai is linked to a larger weather system spanning multiple states. A red alert has been sounded for seven states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Officials have cautioned that extremely heavy rainfall is likely in isolated pockets across these states, with thunderstorms and strong winds compounding the risk of damage to infrastructure and local communities. In Mumbai, civic authorities have activated emergency teams to pump out accumulated water from major junctions and subways. Disaster management units have been placed on high alert, and helplines have been set up to respond to distress calls from residents. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has deployed mobile pumps to flood-prone areas such as Sion, Kurla, and Chembur, while additional control rooms are monitoring real-time updates from across the city.
Transport services bore the brunt of the rainfall, with suburban train operators reporting delays due to waterlogging on tracks. Traffic police issued advisories to motorists to avoid certain stretches of the Eastern and Western Express Highways where water accumulation made driving hazardous. Local bus services were also diverted on multiple routes. Coastal districts in the Konkan belt, including Raigad and Ratnagiri, were among the worst hit, with intense showers leading to flooding of rural roads and power outages in certain villages. Authorities have urged fishermen along the western coast to refrain from venturing into the sea, warning of rough conditions and high tidal waves. Similar precautions were issued in Odisha and West Bengal, where strong winds are expected to affect coastal communities.
Inland states like Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are bracing for river swelling and flash floods, particularly in catchment areas that have already received consistent rainfall over the past week. Officials have directed district administrations to stay prepared with relief measures, including temporary shelters and stockpiles of food and medicines. Meteorologists have predicted that the intensity of rainfall is likely to persist for at least the next 48 hours. Citizens in affected regions have been advised to stay indoors, avoid waterlogged streets, and keep track of weather bulletins. Emergency services are on standby to respond swiftly to any critical situations.
While heavy monsoon rains are not unusual at this time of year, the scale and spread of the current system has heightened concern. Officials emphasised that timely precautions and coordinated responses will be essential to mitigate risks and ensure safety across the seven states under red alert.
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