The meteorological department has issued a ‘red alert’ for Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Panvel, and rural parts of Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg amid heavy rain forecast for July 9. Schools and colleges in these regions will remain closed on Tuesday due to the alert. The closure decision affects primary and secondary schools, as well as junior and senior colleges, following notifications from civic bodies including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), and those in Panvel and Navi Mumbai.
In a statement issued late Monday evening, the BMC confirmed the closure of all civic, government and private schools and colleges as a precautionary measure against the forecasted heavy rainfall. The IMD’s red alert for Mumbai predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall in the city.
BMC Commissioner and administrator Bhushan Gagarani has urged citizens to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel. “The BMC has put all its disaster management teams on high alert. Citizens are advised not to panic and can contact the BMC’s disaster management cell on 1916 for any assistance,” the statement added.
Earlier on Monday, Mumbai’s Powai Lake began overflowing as heavy rains lashed the city for the last couple of days, a civic official said. The lake, which has a storage capacity of 545 crore litres, started overflowing at 4.45 am, the official said. However, the water from the lake is not potable and is used only for industrial purposes.
(With agency inputs)