On Thursday, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport faced significant operational disruptions due to persistent heavy rainfall. The adverse weather conditions led to the cancellation of 11 flights and the diversion of 10 others to alternative airports, including Ahmedabad, Surat, Hyderabad, Indore, and Mopa, according to airport management.
The relentless downpour in Mumbai and its suburbs has not only impacted air travel but has also caused severe waterlogging on roads, leading to traffic congestion and delays in local train services. The extensive rainfall has overwhelmed the city’s infrastructure, prompting a broader impact on daily commutes and transportation. The heavy rains have caused the water levels in several reservoirs and lakes to rise significantly. Both Vihar and Modak Sagar lakes, crucial for Mumbai’s water supply, began overflowing early in the day. This development brings the total number of overflowing reservoirs to four out of seven, thereby improving the overall water stock for the metropolis.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted continued moderate to heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours, with isolated areas possibly experiencing very heavy showers. Additionally, the Mithi River, which flows through Mumbai’s industrial areas, has risen to 2.5 metres, though it remains below the danger mark of 4.2 metres. A high tide of 4.64 metres is expected in the Arabian Sea at 2.51 pm today, which could exacerbate flooding conditions. The rains have also led to significant operational changes within the city. Powai and Tulsi lakes, key reservoirs for Mumbai, are already overflowing, further indicating the high volume of rainfall.
The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has had to reroute buses on multiple routes in Aarey Colony due to waterlogging. The island city recorded 44 mm of rain, while the eastern and western suburbs saw 90 mm and 89 mm of rain, respectively, in the 24 hours leading up to 8 am on Thursday. The ongoing downpour and its impacts underscore the need for robust infrastructure to handle such extreme weather events, which continue to challenge Mumbai’s resilience and preparedness.
