Mumbai Faces Severe Waterlogging and Traffic Disruptions as Heavy Rainfall Continues
Mumbai, 23rd July 2024: Mumbai is currently grappling with heavy rainfall, resulting in extensive waterlogging and traffic disruptions throughout the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for parts of central Maharashtra, forecasting continued heavy rain until July 24.
IMD Alerts and Forecasts
The IMD has predicted heavy rainfall for Mumbai, its suburbs, and neighbouring districts such as Thane, Palghar, and Raigad. An alert for high tides has also been issued for the afternoon. On Tuesday, Mumbai and Thane are under a yellow alert, with an orange alert expected for Wednesday. A red alert is in effect for Gujarat, Konkan, and Goa until July 24, and for West Madhya Pradesh on July 22.
Since Saturday evening, the intense rainfall has led to significant waterlogging and traffic jams in various parts of Mumbai. Authorities are on high alert to address the situation. A mobile tower collapse in Bhandup damaged several homes, though no casualties were reported. Images of submerged police stations have circulated online, highlighting the severity of the flooding.
NDRF and Local Advisories
In response to the severe weather warnings, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed teams across Maharashtra. These teams are stationed in Mumbai, Nagpur, Vasai (Palghar), Thane, Ghatkopar, Powai (Kurla), Mahad (Raigad), Khed, Chiplun (Ratnagiri), Kudal (Sindhudurg), Kolhapur, Sangli, and Satara to support emergency efforts.
The Mumbai Police have advised residents to avoid coastal areas and limit travel to essential trips only. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a public advisory urging people to stay indoors unless necessary.
Weather Across India
– West, Central, East, and South Peninsular India: The IMD forecasts widespread light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning over the next five days. An orange alert for very heavy rainfall is in place for East Madhya Pradesh from July 22-24 and for Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, and Coastal Karnataka on July 22. Heavy rainfall is also expected in Coastal and South Interior Karnataka, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Kerala, North Interior Karnataka, Jharkhand, and Gangetic West Bengal.
– Northwest India: Light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning is anticipated in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, East Rajasthan, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi. An orange alert for isolated heavy rainfall is in effect for Uttarakhand, West Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and East Rajasthan. Hot and humid conditions are expected in West Rajasthan, with above-normal temperatures and high humidity in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh over the next two days.
– Northeast India: The region is expected to experience widespread light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning over the coming days. Isolated heavy rainfall is anticipated in Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur.
Mumbai has been facing heavy rains for the past few weeks, leading to significant disruptions. Continuous downpours have caused severe waterlogging, complicating travel and resulting in delays. The IMD’s frequent weather alerts have kept city authorities vigilant, ensuring that emergency services are prepared to handle any situation.
Previous advisories from the Mumbai Police and civic authorities have stressed the importance of remaining indoors and avoiding unnecessary travel. The emergency number 100 is available for residents needing immediate assistance. The BMC and local agencies are working diligently to manage the effects of the heavy rains and maintain city operations amid the challenging weather conditions.
