Mumbai inundated after 200 mm of rain in 24 hours
Mumbai and its suburbs witnessed heavy overnight rainfall, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) recording over 200 mm of precipitation in the 24 hours ending Thursday morning. The downpour caused severe waterlogging in low-lying areas, disrupted local train services, and affected normal life across the city.
IMD data reveals intensity of rainfall
The IMD's Santacruz observatory recorded 199.5 mm of rain, while the Colaba observatory registered 167.2 mm in the same period. The heavy rains, which started late Wednesday night and continued into Thursday, led to waterlogging in several parts of the city, including Hindmata, King's Circle, Sion, and Andheri. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported that water levels rose to knee-deep in some areas, causing inconvenience to commuters.
Train services hit hard
Central Railway and Western Railway services were disrupted due to waterlogging on tracks. Several trains were delayed or cancelled, and some were diverted. The Central Railway reported that between CST and Thane, services were running 15-20 minutes late. On the Western line, trains were delayed by 10-15 minutes. The Harbour line also faced disruptions. Commuters faced long waits and crowded platforms as they struggled to reach their destinations.
BMC and NDRF deploy teams for rescue
The BMC deployed pumps to clear water from affected areas and advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was put on standby. “We have deployed teams in low-lying areas and are monitoring the situation closely,” a BMC official said. “Citizens are advised to stay indoors and avoid venturing into waterlogged areas.”
Weather forecast predicts more rain
The IMD has issued an orange alert for Mumbai and surrounding districts for Thursday, indicating heavy to very heavy rainfall. The weather department warned that the city could receive up to 200 mm more rain in the next 24 hours. “The monsoon trough is active, and we expect heavy showers to continue,” an IMD official said. Residents have been advised to take precautions and stay updated with weather warnings.
Impact on daily life and infrastructure
The heavy rains also caused traffic jams on key roads, including the Western Express Highway and Eastern Express Highway. Many office-goers and students were stuck in traffic for hours. Several flights at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were delayed due to low visibility. The BMC reported that no major incidents of structural collapse or casualties had been reported so far, but urged citizens to remain cautious.
Previous similar events and preparedness
Mumbai has a history of severe flooding during the monsoon season, with heavy rains often overwhelming the city's drainage system. In 2023, the city received over 300 mm of rain in a single day, causing widespread disruption. The BMC has been working on improving drainage and flood management, but the rapid urbanization and encroachments continue to pose challenges. The current rainfall event is being closely monitored, and authorities are prepared for further emergency response if needed.
