Mumbai's suburbs experienced heavy overnight showers, with the city recording over 100 mm of rainfall in just four hours between 2:30 am and 6:30 am on Thursday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The downpour led to significant waterlogging in low-lying areas, disrupting morning traffic and affecting suburban train services.
Rainfall Details and Impact
The IMD's Santacruz observatory recorded 103 mm of rainfall during the four-hour period, while the Colaba observatory in south Mumbai recorded 32 mm. The suburban areas, particularly the western suburbs, bore the brunt of the intense rainfall. Waterlogging was reported in areas such as Andheri, Vile Parle, Santacruz, and Bandra, causing vehicles to crawl and leading to delays in local train services on the Western and Central lines.
According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the city's average rainfall for the 24-hour period ending at 8 am on Thursday was 35.64 mm. The BMC's disaster management cell received several complaints of waterlogging, tree falls, and minor incidents.
IMD Alerts and Forecast
The IMD has issued a red alert for Mumbai and its suburbs for Thursday, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places. A red alert indicates the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 204 mm in 24 hours, which could lead to severe waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and potential damage to property. The IMD also warned of moderate to high tides in the Arabian Sea, which could exacerbate flooding in coastal areas.
"The city is likely to experience heavy rainfall for the next 24 to 48 hours due to the presence of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal and an active monsoon trough," said an IMD official.
Government Response and Precautions
The BMC has deployed pumps and teams to clear waterlogging in affected areas. The traffic police have advised commuters to avoid low-lying areas and use alternate routes. The suburban railway authorities have announced that trains are running with delays but no services have been canceled so far. Schools and colleges in some areas have declared a holiday as a precautionary measure.
"We are monitoring the situation closely. Our teams are on the ground to address any emergencies. Citizens are advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel," said a BMC official.
Previous Rainfall and Seasonal Context
Mumbai has been receiving above-average rainfall this monsoon season. The city has recorded over 1,200 mm of rainfall since June 1, which is about 20% above the normal. The heavy rains have caused several instances of waterlogging and building collapses in the past weeks. The IMD has forecast more heavy showers in the coming days, with the monsoon trough expected to remain active over the west coast.
