Flight Cancellations and Waterlogged Roads: Mumbai Braces for Severe Weather

Mumbai, 9th July 2024: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai today, warning of heavy rainfall and high tides following continuous downpours since yesterday. Schools and colleges in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Alibaug, and Panvel will remain closed due to widespread waterlogging and the ongoing deluge.

Monday witnessed Mumbai’s heaviest one-day rainfall since 2019, with certain areas receiving over 300 mm of rain within hours. The city faced disruptions including flight cancellations, train and bus service interruptions, and submerged roads. Additionally, Raigad and Ratnagiri districts are under a red alert until Tuesday afternoon, while Palghar and Thane have been placed under an orange alert. The IMD has predicted heavy rainfall in isolated Mumbai areas until July 12.

In another development, further details emerged about a fatal hit-and-run incident in Mumbai on Sunday morning. Police informed the court on Monday that the accused, Mihir Shah, allegedly switched seats with his driver after dragging the woman victim on the bonnet for nearly one-and-a-half kilometres. The driver, Rajrishi Rajendrasingh Bidawat, then reversed the vehicle and deliberately struck the woman a second time before fleeing the scene, purportedly to mislead the investigation.