Heavy monsoon rains lashed Mumbai on July 5, 2026, leading to widespread disruption as flights were delayed, roads submerged, and schools shut following a fresh rain alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The city witnessed severe waterlogging in low-lying areas, with the IMD predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours.
Flight Operations Hit
Over 50 flights were delayed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport due to poor visibility and waterlogging on runways. According to airport officials, operations were temporarily suspended for 30 minutes in the morning as a precautionary measure. Airlines advised passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport.
Roads Submerged, Traffic Snarls
Several arterial roads, including the Western Express Highway and Eastern Express Highway, witnessed waterlogging up to 2 feet in some stretches. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported that at least 15 key roads were submerged, causing massive traffic jams during peak hours. Commuters faced delays of up to 2 hours as vehicles crawled through waterlogged streets.
Schools and Colleges Closed
The Maharashtra government declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in Mumbai and neighboring districts on July 5. An official statement said, "In view of the heavy rainfall forecast and waterlogging, all educational institutions will remain closed to ensure the safety of students." The decision affected over 1.5 million students across the city.
Fresh Rain Alert
The IMD issued a red alert for Mumbai and surrounding areas, warning of extremely heavy rainfall on July 5 and 6. The weather department recorded 200 mm of rain in the past 24 hours, with more expected. The BMC activated its emergency response teams and deployed pumps to clear water from low-lying areas.
Impact on Daily Life
Local train services on the Central and Western lines faced delays of 15-20 minutes due to waterlogging on tracks. BEST buses were diverted from affected routes, and many commuters opted to work from home. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was kept on standby for rescue operations. As of now, no casualties have been reported.
