Heavy Rain In Mumbai, Flights Cancelled, Train Services Hit, Schools Shut

Heavy rains have hit Mumbai and its surrounding areas in the last 24 hours leading to widespread waterlogging and suburban train services. Some areas in the city have recorded over 300 mm of rainfall within six hours from 1 am to 7 am on Monday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and the Konkan belt. Vikhroli's  Veer Savarkar Marg Municipal School and MCMCR Powai saw the highest rainfall in the last 24 hours as over 315 mm of rainfall was recorded.

Over 50 flights have been cancelled due to the downpour. Several airlines took to X (formerly Twitter) to warn passengers and urged them to check flight status before leaving for the airport.

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde urged the Mumbaikars to avoid unnecessary movement amid the ongoing heavy rainfall in the city. He also directed the authorities to remain alert as IMD has forecast further intense rainfall.

Visuals from across the city showed people wading through waist-deep waters and cars lined bumper to bumper on Mumbai roads. All government, private and municipal schools and colleges have been shut across the city. 

Highways and key roads in the city that are not submerged saw heavy traffic during the rush hours on Monday morning. Visuals from the Western Expressway showed long stretches of vehicles struggling to navigate.

"The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in Mumbai. In the wake of continuous rains, the entire machinery of the BMC is working on the field. Mumbaikars are requested not to believe in any rumours. Also, to step out of the house only if it is necessary. In case of an emergency, call 1916 for immediate assistance," the civic body said.

The weather authorities also warned that the city will see a high tide of 4.2 meters at around 2 pm today due to the prevailing weather situation.