Mumbai: Heavy rainfall stops daily life, schools shut, flights diverted | WATCH

In response to the red alert, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced the closure of all schools and colleges for Thursday, prioritizing the safety of students.

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Edited By: Mayank Kasyap
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Mumbai: Red alert as heavy rainfall stagnates city (X/AbhijitKaran25)

Mumbai Rains Red Alert: The city of Mumbai has been placed on a red alert by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), with heavy rainfall forecasted for Thursday, September 26. The relentless downpour has already caused widespread disruptions, including waterlogging in low-lying areas, delays in local train services, and the diversion of multiple incoming flights.

Schools and colleges closed amid red alert

In response to the red alert, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced the closure of all schools and colleges for Thursday, prioritizing the safety of students. The BMC advised residents to leave their homes only if absolutely necessary. In a social media post on Wednesday, the BMC stated, “The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for heavy rain till 8.30 am tomorrow (September 26, 2024). In light of this, all schools and colleges in Mumbai will be closed.”

Commuters stranded as heavy rainfall causes delays

Local commuters, particularly at Ghatkopar railway station, faced significant challenges as large crowds gathered in an effort to board trains amidst the downpour. Several areas of Mumbai, including key locations like Veena Nagar in Mulund, Bhandup, and Powai, recorded rainfall levels exceeding 100 mm between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm on Wednesday.

The worst-hit areas include Mankhurd, which received 190 mm of rainfall, followed by Ghatkopar at 182 mm, and Vikhroli at 188 mm. Other regions, such as Chembur (162 mm), Govandi (167 mm), and Worli (74 mm), also experienced significant rainfall.

Flight disruptions at Mumbai Airport

The heavy rains have severely affected flight operations at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Earlier today, an Indigo flight was forced to abort its landing due to wind shear and was subsequently diverted to Ahmedabad. A total of 14 flights were diverted from Mumbai, with affected airlines including IndiGo, Vistara, Air India, Akasa Air, and Gulf Air.

Of the rerouted flights, seven were diverted to Hyderabad, four to Ahmedabad, two to Goa, and one to Udaipur. SpiceJet and Vistara also issued statements warning passengers of potential delays and cancellations. SpiceJet urged travelers to stay updated on their flight status via the airline's website, stating, "Due to bad weather (heavy rain) in Mumbai (BOM), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may get affected."

Vistara also provided frequent updates on social media, informing passengers of the diversion of flight UK941 from Delhi to Mumbai to Hyderabad due to poor weather conditions.

Authorities urge caution

As heavy rainfall continues to batter the city, authorities have advised Mumbai residents to remain cautious and monitor weather updates closely. The IMD has forecast more rain for the coming days, and residents are urged to prepare for potential disruptions to daily life.