Mumbai: Mumbai woke up to a wet and gloomy Saturday as heavy to very heavy showers lashed several parts of the city since early morning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a red alert for Mumbai for today, warning of intense rain at isolated spots. In neighbouring Raigad, a red alert has been issued for August 16 with the possibility of extremely heavy showers, while Palghar is likely to witness a fresh spell of heavy rain starting Sunday and continuing until August 19.
Waterlogging In Several Areas
The heavy overnight rainfall resulted in waterlogging across several low-lying stretches, particularly in suburbs prone to flooding. Waterlogging was reported in Sion-King Circle, Bandra, Vile Parle, Andheri, Vashi and Vasai-Virar. Local train tracks can be seen submerged at Sion station amid heavy downpours. Vehicles can be seen wading through waterlogged roads in Bandra and Andheri. Pedestrians were seen walking on waterlogged streets in Vashi.
Yet, unlike previous years when such showers brought the city to a standstill, Saturday’s rains caused minimal disruption as of now. Suburban train services, Mumbai’s lifeline, continued to run with only slight delays while major arterial roads reported no severe traffic snarls at the time of reporting. Civic officials attributed the relatively smooth functioning to improved drainage management and pre-monsoon preparedness.
The latest weather system has kept Mumbai on its toes through the week, with August 15 already recording heavy downpour across multiple areas. As per IMD data, the cumulative rainfall recorded since the beginning of this monsoon has touched 1,119.2 mm at Colaba observatory and 1,435.7 mm at Santacruz observatory, indicating that the city is already well on course to surpass its seasonal averages.
Mumbai Police Issues Advisory
Mumbai Police, however, urged citizens to remain cautious. In a public advisory issued through its official X account, the police said, “Mumbai is experiencing heavy rainfall with an Orange Alert in effect. Water-logging and reduced visibility have been reported in several areas. Mumbaikars are advised to avoid non-essential travel and exercise caution while venturing out.” The advisory also noted that police personnel have been asked to remain on high alert to respond to distress calls and extend assistance wherever required. Emergency helpline numbers 100, 112 and 103 have been activated for quick response.
