Vehicular and rail traffic in Mumbai resumed on Thursday after torrential rains flooded low-lying areas, halted local trains, and led to the diversion of at least 14 incoming flights. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for Mumbai and its neighboring districts—Thane, Palghar, and Raigad—for Thursday morning, warning of extremely heavy rainfall.
In response, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in Mumbai. Educational institutions in Thane, Palghar, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad were also closed due to the weather.
The heavy rains caused chaos on Wednesday evening, turning some roads into fast-moving rivers. Local trains stopped between Kurla and Thane stations on the Central Line, stranding thousands of commuters. According to BMC data, the island city, eastern suburbs, and western suburbs received 87.79 mm, 167.48 mm, and 95.57 mm of rainfall, respectively, between 5 pm and 10 pm.
In the aftermath of heavy rains, a 45-year-old woman drowned in an overflowing nullah in Andheri, highlighting the risks posed by the downpour. Mumbai police and the civic body have urged residents to stay indoors, posting advisories on social media. “Mumbaikars, if not required, avoid stepping out of home,” the BMC shared on X.
As conditions stabilise, BMC officials remain on high alert, with municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani instructing engineers to stay on duty at ward control rooms to address emergencies.