Mumbai: Mumbai witnessed a dramatic start to the monsoon season on Monday as heavy rains lashed the city, leading to waterlogging, transport delays. A major road cave-in near Kemps Corner in South Mumbai's Grant Road. Traffic movement in the area was disrupted after the incident.
A portion of the road between Kemps Corner and Mukesh Chowk developed wide cracks and eventually caved in, causing a BEST bus to get stuck and halting vehicular movement. The road collapse took place near the Gangar showroom, with traffic completely shut from Kemps Corner towards Nepean Sea Road.
BEST Services Disrupted Due To Road Caving
Officials have cordoned off the area and rerouted several BEST buses, 104, 121, 122, 132, and 135, via Peddar Road, Cadbury Junction and Bhulabhai Desai Road. Repairs are expected to take time, and authorities have urged motorists to avoid the stretch.
Large Iron Structure Washes Off Mahim Shore
In another incident linked to the intense rain, residents of Mahim Beach discovered a large floating iron structure, suspected to be from the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, washed ashore near Savera Housing Society early Monday morning. Visuals of the incident have gone viral on the internet.
Monsoon Arrives In Mumbai 16 Days Early
The cave-in coincided with the official arrival of the southwest monsoon in Mumbai, 16 days ahead of its usual June 11 onset. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed the early arrival on May 26, making it the city’s earliest onset in over 15 years. For comparison, in 1956, 1962 and 1971, the monsoon hit Mumbai on May 29.
Waterlogging Reported In Several Areas
The city has been experiencing heavy rainfall since Sunday night, with visuals across areas like Kings Circle, Bandra, Andheri and near CSMT station showing waterlogging, thunderbolts, and strong winds.
Train services on Central, Western and Harbour lines reported delays due to waterlogged tracks and poor visibility. Flights, too, were impacted, with several airlines issuing weather advisories and warning of possible disruptions.
Orange Alert For City & Surrounding Region
The IMD has issued an orange alert for Mumbai, Thane and Palghar, forecasting heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and wind speeds of up to 60 kmph. According to IMD data, as of May 25, Colaba recorded 159.2 mm and Santacruz 164.3 mm rainfall, both far above May’s average.
