Mumbai, the financial capital of India, and its surrounding areas faced a deluge as heavy rainfall pounded the region, leading the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for the city and neighbouring Thane, Raigad, and Palghar districts. The alert predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall for July 26 and 27, urging residents to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions.
Throughout the day, Mumbai experienced incessant heavy rain, which resulted in road traffic slowing down. Despite the challenges posed by the rain, the services of suburban trains remained relatively unaffected, with only slight delays.
Several areas in the city, including Fort, Colaba, Nariman Point, Elphinstone Road, Grant Road, Andheri, Marol, Jogeshwari, and Goregaon, received over 100 mm of rainfall within a 12-hour period ending at 8 pm on Wednesday. The heavy downpour was consistent, with the island city, eastern suburbs, and western suburbs recording an average rainfall of 92.82 mm, 80.13 mm, and 94.13 mm, respectively, during the same time frame, according to data shared by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
The Colaba observatory, run by the IMD, recorded 124.8 mm of rainfall in 12 hours ending at 8:30 pm, while the Santacruz observatory in the Mumbai suburbs recorded 124 mm during the same period.
The timing of the rainfall varied across the city. The island city experienced heavy rainfall mainly between 3 pm and 4 pm, while the western suburbs were battered by heavy downpours from 6 pm to 7 pm. These intense rain spells caused temporary disruptions but did not lead to major waterlogging in the metropolis until 8 pm, as reported by civic officials.
However, the Andheri subway, an underpass between Andheri and Jogeshwari railway stations, faced challenges due to waterlogging, leading to its closure for traffic multiple times during the day.
Despite the heavy rainfall’s impact on road traffic, local train services and the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses continued to operate relatively normally, with some delays. A spokesperson from BEST mentioned that buses on at least half a dozen routes had to be diverted in Andheri, Kurla, and Aarey Colony due to waterlogged roads.
BEST operates a fleet of buses not only in greater Mumbai but also in Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Mira-Bhayander areas, serving as a crucial mode of transportation for the region’s residents.
The BMC and other civic authorities have been working diligently to manage the situation and ensure the safety of citizens during this period of heavy rainfall. The orange alert issued by the IMD serves as a timely warning for all residents to stay cautious and take necessary precautions to avoid any potential risks associated with flooding and waterlogging.
While the rains pose challenges to daily life, the city’s resilience has been commendable in dealing with such weather events. Over the years, the civic authorities have undertaken various measures to improve drainage systems and minimize waterlogging issues, leading to better preparedness during the monsoon season.
As the IMD’s orange alert remains in effect, the BMC and other relevant authorities are closely monitoring the situation and updating residents on weather developments. Citizens are urged to stay informed through official channels, adhere to safety guidelines, and cooperate with the authorities to ensure a safe and smooth response to the heavy rainfall. As the weather situation evolves, the authorities’ proactive measures and residents’ cooperation will play a pivotal role in navigating through this challenging period.
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