BMC Elections

Mumbai Rains: BMC Announces Holiday for Schools & Colleges Today as Heavy Showers Predicted

  • by Webdesk
  • 19 Aug 2025

Source: Hintustan Times

 

Mumbai Rains: Red Alert Issued as City Faces Third Day of Heavy Downpour
 
Mumbai continued to reel under intense rainfall on Monday, marking the third consecutive day of heavy showers that disrupted daily life across the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Mumbai and surrounding districts, warning of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in isolated pockets through Monday and Tuesday.
 
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that Mumbai recorded 177 mm of rainfall in just 6 to 8 hours on Monday. Urging citizens to remain cautious, he highlighted the possibility of more rain along with high tides in the coming hours. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) also stepped in, announcing a holiday for all schools and colleges scheduled to begin after 12 noon, prioritizing the safety of students.
 
Weather Conditions and Forecast
According to the IMD forecast, Mumbai and its suburbs are expected to witness moderate to heavy showers through the day, with the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall by night. Gusty winds have also been predicted, and temperatures are forecast to hover between 24°C and 27°C.
 
The city, already waterlogged in several areas, saw vehicular traffic thrown out of gear. Major low-lying stretches such as the Andheri Subway and Lokhandwala Complex experienced significant water accumulation, causing inconvenience to commuters. The downpour reduced visibility in some pockets, further worsening the situation for motorists.
 
Impact on Transport
Mumbai’s suburban trains, regarded as the lifeline of the city, were reported to be running late by 15–20 minutes. Despite the rain-induced disruption, officials confirmed that services were not halted, though schedules were affected. On the other hand, BEST buses managed to continue operating without interruptions, ensuring at least one reliable mode of public transport for residents.
 
Rainfall Data and Intensity
Civic officials noted that rainfall intensity sharply increased after a heavy spell overnight continued into Monday morning. By 9 am, the showers intensified further.
 
In just one hour from 9 am to 10 am, the island city received 37 mm of rain, the eastern suburbs recorded 39 mm, and the western suburbs logged 29 mm. Chembur in the eastern suburbs emerged as the worst-hit, registering 65 mm of rain in a single hour, while Shivaji Nagar followed with 50 mm during the same period.
 
In the 24 hours ending at 8 am on Monday, the island city reported 54.58 mm of rainfall on average, the eastern suburbs 72.61 mm, and the western suburbs 65.86 mm. Several neighbourhoods reported rainfall exceeding 100 mm within the same timeframe, reflecting the intensity of the downpour.
 
Wider Maharashtra on Alert
The IMD has not limited its warnings to Mumbai alone. Neighboring districts such as Thane and Raigad have also been placed under a red alert, anticipating heavy to extremely heavy showers. Ratnagiri district was issued a red alert on Monday, while Sindhudurg has been kept under an orange alert for both Monday and Tuesday.
Officials confirmed that multiple towns and villages in these districts are already facing flooding concerns, and emergency teams are on standby to handle worsening conditions.
 
Life in the City Amid Rains
The unrelenting rain since Saturday has caused widespread waterlogging, especially in low-lying areas. Daily commuters faced massive inconvenience with delays in suburban trains and submerged roadways. Several areas of Mumbai remained partially cut off due to traffic jams and flooded stretches, with authorities urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel.
The situation has once again highlighted Mumbai’s vulnerability during the monsoon season, as continuous downpours overwhelm the city’s drainage system year after year.
 
Looking Ahead
With the IMD warning of extremely heavy rainfall in isolated parts of the city and adjoining districts over the next 24–48 hours, citizens have been asked to stay alert. CM Fadnavis reiterated that while Mumbai’s resilience is commendable, precautions must be strictly observed. Civic authorities, including the BMC and disaster management teams, remain on high alert to handle emergencies and mitigate risks in the coming days.
 

 

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