Mumbai on rain red alert, commuters stranded, schools closed today

Authorities have urged Mumbai residents to exercise caution and stay updated on the situation as the rain continues to affect daily life in the city.

In Short

• Severe waterlogging, disruptions reported in Mumbai
• Rainfall exceeds 100 mm in multiple areas of the city
• Flight operations at Mumbai airport disrupted

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai, predicting heavy rainfall on Thursday, September 26.

Heavy rain battered Mumbai on Wednesday, inundating low-lying areas, halting local trains in their tracks and forcing the diversion of at least 14 incoming flights.

Amid the heavy rain alert, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) also announced that all the schools and colleges in the city will remain shut today (September 26). The civic body has also urged citizens to come out of their homes only if necessary.

"The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for heavy rain till 8.30 am tomorrow (September 26, 2024). In this background, keeping in mind the safety of the students, all the schools and colleges in Mumbai are declared a holiday tomorrow, Thursday, September 26, 2024," BMC wrote in a post on X on Wednesday.

Commuters at Ghatkopar railway station were facing immense challenges as large crowds gather in a bid to catch trains amid the adverse weather conditions.

On Wednesday, September 25, between 5.30 pm and 8.30 pm, several areas in Mumbai recorded alarming rainfall levels, exceeding 100 mm. The most affected regions include Veena Nagar in Mulund with 104 mm, Bhandup at 120 mm, Powai with 145 mm, Chembur at 162 mm, and Govandi recording 167 mm.

Mankhurd experienced the highest rainfall at 190 mm, followed closely by Ghatkopar with 182 mm and Vikhroli at 188 mm. Other areas, such as Sewri, Wadala, Worli, and Grant Road, also recorded notable rainfall, with measurements of 127 mm, 110 mm, 53 mm, and 74 mm, respectively.

Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution and stay updated on the situation as the rain continues to affect daily life in the city. Meanwhile, several flights have been diverted, adding to the travel woes of many.

Flight operations at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport are facing significant disruptions due to adverse weather conditions. Earlier today, an Indigo flight had to abort its landing because of wind shear and was diverted to Ahmedabad.

A total of 14 flight diversions occurred, with nine from IndiGo, two from Vistara, one from Air India, one from Akasa Air, and one from Gulf Air. The flights were rerouted to Ahmedabad (4), Hyderabad (7), Goa(2), and Udaipur (1).

SpiceJet has announced that all departures and arrivals at Mumbai Airport (BOM) may be impacted due to adverse weather conditions.

"Due to bad weather (heavy rain) in Mumbai (BOM), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may get affected," SpiceJet said in a statement, urging passengers to keep a check on their flight status on the airline's official website.

Even Vistara took to X and posted several updates about the flights' diversions due to the torrential rains.

"Flight UK941 from Delhi to Mumbai (DEL-BOM) has been diverted to Hyderabad (HYD) due to bad weather at Mumbai airport and is expected to arrive in Hyderabad (HYD) at 2110 hours. Please stay tuned for further updates," a Vistara post read.