IMD Rainfall Highlights: Waterlogging causes traffic snarls in Delhi; Mumbai University postpones all exams in Raigad, Ratnagiri amid heavy rain alert

Western Railways posted on X: Train movement between Chinchpada and Kolde stations on the Udhna-Nandurbar section has been disrupted due to heavy rain and waterlogging.

The Regional Meteorological Center (RMC) reported, “Mumbai experienced heavy rainfall at most locations over the past 24 hours.”

The Mumbai University also took to X, saying, “…In view of the declared holiday due to heavy rains in Raigad and Ratnagiri districts, keeping in mind the interest of the students and to avoid possible inconvenience, all the examinations to be held today (Friday) on 26th July 2024 in the morning and afternoon session only in these districts have been postponed.”

Mumbai University has announced the postponement of all exams scheduled in Raigad and Ratnagiri districts due to heavy rain alerts issued by the India Meteorological Department on Friday.

Pooja Roudale, Director of the Examination and Evaluation Board at Mumbai University, confirmed the delay. She noted that new dates for the exams will be provided shortly and clarified that this postponement applies exclusively to exams in the Raigad and Ratnagiri districts.

Western Railways posted on X: “Train movement between Chinchpada and Kolde stations on the Udhna-Nandurbar section has been disrupted due to heavy rainfall and waterlogging.” They also mentioned that the Nandurbar-Surat MEMU Special train, number 09096, has been partially canceled between Khatgaon and Surat.

In a recent update on X, the Traffic Police have announced new diversion points and alternative routes due to ongoing traffic disruptions. For those traveling from NS Marg to ISBT Kashmiri Gate, the recommended route is to turn left at Chatta Rail Red Light and proceed via Kodia Pul, ODRS Pul Mithai, and Mori Gate Boulevard Road.

Travelers moving from ISBT towards NS Marg should follow the path of ISBT Kashmiri Gate Boulevard Road, Mori Gate, Pul Duffrin, ODRS Kodia Pul, and then NS Marg. Additionally, commuters traveling from Rajouri Garden to Brar Square are advised to take alternative routes due to an overturned HGV at Naraina Flyover, which is causing significant traffic issues on the Ring Road’s carriageway.

According to the BMC, the recorded rainfall from 8 am on July 25, 2024, to 8 am on July 26, 2024, is as follows:

Mumbai City and its suburbs are forecasted to experience moderate to heavy rainfall on Friday, with isolated areas potentially receiving very heavy downpours, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Additionally, there may be occasional gusty winds reaching speeds of 50-60 kmph throughout the day.

The high tide is expected to peak at 4.46 meters at 3:32 pm, while the low tide is projected to be 0.98 meters at 9:44 pm.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that the sky will remain cloudy with additional showers expected later in the day. The maximum temperature is predicted to reach around 34 degrees Celsius. On Friday, the minimum temperature was recorded at 25.2 degrees Celsius, which is 2.1 degrees below the seasonal average, according to the IMD. At 5:30 am, the humidity level was 39 percent.

According to police, some of the worst-hit areas included Mother Teresa Crescent, Nyay Marg near Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Sir M. Vishweshwaraiah Moti Bagh Metro Station, Shanti Path, Bhikaji Cama Place, and Motibagh Ring Road. Traffic was also affected on both carriageways of Rohtak Road due to sewer overflow and potholes in Mundka.

Minto Road in central Delhi, known for its flooding issues, was waterlogged early in the morning. However, police later updated on social media that the road had been cleared and was now open for traffic. Authorities have advised commuters to plan their journeys carefully.

Early morning showers in Delhi on Friday led to significant waterlogging and traffic disruptions in various parts of the city, according to officials. The Delhi Traffic Police issued alerts advising commuters of affected roads due to waterlogging and sewer overflow, and recommended taking alternative routes.

The Raigad district administration has announced the closure of schools and colleges on Friday in response to heavy rainfall alerts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Mumbai on July 26 and a yellow alert for July 27. Additionally, a red alert has been issued for Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Satara districts on July 26 due to anticipated extremely heavy rainfall.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced increased water discharge from the Koyna and Khadakwasla dams due to heavy rains in their catchment areas. The discharge from Khadakwasla dam has risen from 35,000 to 40,000 cusecs, and from Koyna dam from 20,000 to 30,000 cusecs, with potential further increases expected by Friday. Fadnavis noted that officials have been directed to keep civic bodies updated. The state government is also collaborating with Karnataka to manage Almatti Dam’s reservoir levels to avoid flooding in Sangli and Kolhapur. Heavy rains in Pune have caused flooding and evacuations, prompting the deployment of NDRF and Army teams for relief operations.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘red’ alert for Mumbai, advising residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary.

“Moderate spells of rain are very likely to occur at isolated places in the districts of Palghar, Raigad, Thane, Ratnagiri, Mumbai and Ghat areas of Pune and Satara during the next 3-4 hours,” said IMD at 7 am.

Heavy rains have led Central Railway (CR) authorities to cancel several train services between Mumbai and Pune on July 26. The divisional railway manager (Pune) announced on social media that multiple trains were also canceled on July 25 and 26 due to heavy rainfall, waterlogging, and rising water levels in the Badlapur-Vangani section.

For Friday, the canceled trains include the Pune-CSMT Deccan Queen Express, Pune-CSMT Pragati Express, and CSMT-Pune Intercity Express. Additionally, the Mumbai-Pune Deccan Queen, CSMT-Pune Pragati Express, and Pune-CSMT Intercity Express have been canceled. A CR spokesperson explained that heavy rain caused reduced visibility, prompting loco pilots to slow down. Furthermore, train services were disrupted for 20 minutes from 6 pm due to a rail fracture between Ghatkopar and Vikhroli on the CSMT-bound fast track.

Heavy rains caused significant disruption in Pune, Maharashtra, on Thursday, leading to the deaths of at least four individuals in rain-related incidents and flooding many low-lying areas. A police official reported that two people are feared trapped in one of three bungalows buried under debris from a landslide that occurred in Lavasa earlier in the morning.

According to the India Meteorological Department, Shivajinagar in Pune recorded 114 mm of rainfall over a 24-hour period ending at 8:30 am on Thursday, marking the third-highest single-day rainfall in 66 years. The highest 24-hour rainfall recorded in Shivajinagar was 130.4 mm on July 19, 1958, followed by 117.9 mm on July 27, 1967. Officials reported that this recent rainfall occurred between 8:30 am on Wednesday and 8:30 am on Thursday, as per data from the Shivajinagar weather station.

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Mumbai on July 26 and a yellow alert for July 27. According to their press release, “Isolated extremely heavy rainfall is very likely over the ghat areas of Madhya Maharashtra from July 25-27, in Konkan & Goa on July 25 and 26, and in the Gujarat region on July 25.” Additionally, the IMD has issued a red alert for Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Satara on July 26, with an orange alert for Raigad on July 27.

In a welcome reprieve amid the heavy downpours, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced that schools and colleges across its jurisdiction will remain open as usual on Friday. The BMC took to X to reassure residents that, despite the adverse weather conditions, the current rainfall in Mumbai is manageable and daily life in the city can continue without interruption.

“As a result, all schools and colleges in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) area will remain open regularly tomorrow, Friday, 26th July 2024. Parents are humbly requested not to believe any other information or rumours regarding school and college holidays and to rely only on official information from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation,” it said.

A total of 11 flights were cancelled, and 10 were diverted from Mumbai airport due to heavy rainfall. The diverted flights were rerouted to Ahmedabad, Surat, Hyderabad, Indore, and Mopa.

IndiGo airline issued a travel advisory on Thursday evening due to the weather conditions.

“We hope you understand that weather-related delays are beyond our control. However, we assure you that our team of dedicated professionals is working round the clock to ensure stability and on-time operations. Additionally, please allow extra travel time and plan your journey to the airport accordingly due to potential waterlogging and road blockages,” IndiGo stated.

The India Meteorological Department has issued a Red Alert for Mumbai, which will remain in effect until 8:30 a.m. tomorrow. The forecast includes ‘heavy to very heavy rainfall at several locations, with extremely heavy rainfall expected in isolated areas’ across Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts.

Officials reported that Pimpri Chinchwad has experienced heavy rainfall since Wednesday night, resulting in significant flooding in the area.

Police Commissioner Vinoy Kumar Choubey informed PTI, “It has been raining heavily since last night. Police personnel are deployed in low-lying and waterlogged areas. Both the police and the Municipal Corporation are relocating residents from these areas to safer locations. All officers are actively monitoring the situation and updating the public with information. We are also using our social media platforms to provide updates on traffic jams, road diversions, and other relevant details.”

Since Thursday morning, water has been accumulating along the Central Railway tracks at various points, including the stretch between Kurla and Ghatkopar stations. Despite the situation, all suburban trains are continuing to operate as the water levels remain below the danger mark.

Updates from the Mumbai Traffic Police confirm that the Andheri Subway is currently closed for traffic because of severe waterlogging. As a result, vehicular movement has been redirected from Tiwari Chowk to Andheri Station.

Central Railways has announced the cancellation of six trains between Mumbai and Pune due to severe rainfall and waterlogging.

Cancelled trains from Mumbai to Pune

– Train No. 12123 Deccan Queen Express: Scheduled to leave CSMT at 5:10 pm.

– Train No. 12125 PRAGATI Express: Scheduled to depart CSMT at 4:25 pm.

– Train No. 12127 Intercity Express: Scheduled to leave CSMT at 6:40 am on Friday.

Cancelled trains from Pune to Mumbai

– Train No. 12124 Deccan Queen Express: Scheduled to depart Pune at 7:15 am on Friday.

– Train No. 12126 PRAGATI Express: Scheduled to leave Pune at 7:50 am on Friday.

– Train No. 12128 Intercity Express: Scheduled to depart Pune at 5:55 pm.

Senior Maharashtra Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Thursday urged the Eknath Shinde government to immediately announce a financial package for farmers who have suffered crop losses due to heavy rains across the state. The Leader of Opposition in the assembly highlighted that crops on thousands of hectares have been destroyed. Heavy rains have significantly impacted regions such as East Vidarbha, Kolhapur, Raigad, Pune, Bhor Velha, Maval, Haveli, and Mulshi taluka’s Khadakvasla, Wadettiwar noted in his statement.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in Mumbai following a red alert issued by the IMD amid heavy rains. The municipal corporation has urged schools to inform parents and take necessary precautions, an official said