Heavy rain lashes parts of Mumbai, residents share flood videos | WATCH

New Delhi: Mumbai and its suburbs were pummeled by heavy rainfall, resulting in extensive waterlogging on crucial roads and low-lying areas on early Monday morning. The city recorded over 300 mm of rain in a span of six hours from 1 am to 7 am, according to civic officials, severely disrupting normal life and causing widespread traffic congestion.

Come rain or shine, we are on the ground.

Our Vakola Traffic officials contributing in clearing the drainage holes at Western Express Highway near Ramnagar Subway, to drain out the rainwater accumulated in the heavy rains.#MonsoonTrafficUpdates #AlwaysOnDuty#MTPTrafficUpdates pic.twitter.com/Jz1Trpz5Wv

— Mumbai Traffic Police (@MTPHereToHelp) July 8, 2024

Areas affected

Areas such as Andheri, Kurla, Bhandup, King's Circle, Vile Parle, and Dadar reported significant water accumulation as storm drains struggled to cope with the incessant rainfall. Traffic came to a standstill in many parts of India's financial capital, exacerbating the morning commute for residents.

Half Mumbai is water logged by only one night of rain. @mybmc please take some serious action in this matter, at least start the pumps. The issue is very serious, water logging in vile Parle West, from SV Road to Mithibai.@mybmcwardKW @richapintoi @AmeetSatam #mumbairains pic.twitter.com/rG0VzkQMXE

— Anurag Ghosh (@AnuragG36973328) July 8, 2024

One rain and this is the life of Mumbaikars on road. This is below Andheri West Metro Station. Till when should we continue accepting this as Spirit of Mumbai? @CMOMaharashtra @mybmcRoads @RoadsOfMumbai @mashrujeet @mumbaimatterz @fpjindia @mid_day @htTweets @zoru75… pic.twitter.com/62sTVJUl3L

— Nishant Mody (@modynishant) July 8, 2024

Civic body's response

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported, "More than 300 millimeters of rain has been recorded at different places in the six-hour period from midnight yesterday to 7 am today. Heavy rains have caused waterlogging in some low-lying areas and suburban rail services have also been disrupted."

Disruptions across services

In response to the weather conditions, the BMC announced a half-day holiday for government and private schools and colleges under its jurisdiction. Disruptions extended to suburban train services and BEST bus operations, with diversions in place and significant delays reported throughout the morning.

Transport and travel advisory

The Central Railway cancelled several train services including MMR-CSMT, Pune-CSMT, and CSMT-Pune Intercity Express trains due to the inclement weather. Airlines like Vistara issued advisories cautioning travelers about potential delays and advised planning extra time for journeys to Mumbai Airport amidst heavy traffic and slow movement.

🚨 Important Update for Mumbai! 🚨

Due to heavy rain, all local trains and mail express services are canceled. Traveling by local train is risky today. Trains are running between #Thane and #Kalyan only. Please avoid travel if possible and stay safe. #MumbaiRains #TravelAlert pic.twitter.com/6FZfBd3peC

— 𝐓𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐲🕊️ (@Tweety____X) July 8, 2024

Schools, colleges closed

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. 

Forecast and continued impact

As the rainfall persisted, traffic jams persisted on highways and major roads not affected by waterlogging, adding to commuter woes during peak hours. The India Meteorological Department forecasted continued heavy rain across Mumbai and its suburbs, with a generally cloudy sky and intermittent heavy showers expected throughout the day.

This scenario underscores the challenges posed by Mumbai's monsoon season, highlighting the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact on public life and infrastructure.