Mumbai Rains: Schools Shut, City on Red Alert After 3rd Day of Downpour
Schools and Colleges Closed
The civic body announced the closure of educational institutions after continuous rainfall disrupted normal life. Several schools had already declared a half-day on Monday, allowing students to return home early. State minister Ashish Shelar assured parents that the safe return of children was being monitored, with pumps deployed in flooded areas to prevent further disruption.
Transport Chaos: Trains and Roads Affected
Mumbai’s suburban train network, considered the city’s lifeline, ran behind schedule as waterlogging hit low-lying tracks. Services on both Central and Harbour Lines were delayed by 10–15 minutes. Roads across the city were clogged with traffic jams, especially on the Western Express Highway between Andheri and Borivali.
In Matunga, a private school bus carrying six children and two staff members was stranded in floodwater. Police officers quickly rescued all passengers, offering biscuits to calm the children after the ordeal. Videos of the rescue went viral, drawing praise for the swift action of local police officials.
Hospitals and Infrastructure Hit
Chembur emerged among the worst-hit areas, with 177 mm of rain recorded by Monday afternoon. The Maa General Hospital in Chembur faced severe flooding, forcing relatives to carry patients on their backs to gain access. Civic pumps were deployed, and by evening, the situation was brought under control.
A protection wall constructed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) collapsed in Chembur, damaging seven shanties. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Rescue and Relief Operations
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar called for coordinated rescue efforts, instructing district officials to prioritize relief operations. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said at least 15 districts were under red or orange alerts, with several rivers in the Konkan region crossing warning levels. In Nanded district, five people were reported missing after flash floods in Mukhed taluka.
Kolhapur also witnessed rising water levels as dams including Radhanagari, Warana, and Kumbhi released thousands of cusecs of water. Authorities placed residents along riverbanks on high alert, urging them to move to safer areas.
Airlines Issue Advisories
Airlines such as IndiGo and Akasa Air issued advisories urging passengers to allow extra travel time to reach Mumbai airport. With roads leading to the airport heavily congested, airlines deployed additional staff to assist passengers. Mumbai Police also urged citizens to stay indoors unless necessary and provided emergency helpline numbers for assistance.
Weather Forecast and Precautions
The IMD has predicted more heavy rain over the next 48 hours. Officials warned of high tides that could worsen flooding in coastal areas. Citizens have been advised to stay home and avoid waterlogged roads. The BMC’s disaster management unit remains on high alert, coordinating with state and district authorities to minimize the impact of the relentless downpour.
What Lies Ahead
As Mumbai battles its third day of flooding, authorities are racing to prevent a repeat of past monsoon disasters. The coordinated response from police, civic staff, and rescue teams has helped avert major tragedies so far. However, with more rain forecast, the city remains on edge.
For official weather updates, citizens can refer to the IMD website. Information on civic advisories is available through the BMC portal.
