Heavy Rains Cause Havoc in Mumbai and Surrounding Areas

Residents of Mumbai and surrounding areas are facing serious challenges as heavy rains continue to lash the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for isolated extremely heavy rainfall in Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts. This warning comes amid ongoing weather disruptions that began earlier this week.

As the rains persist, waterlogging has become a significant issue across the city. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared a public holiday for all schools and colleges to ensure the safety of students. Parents have been advised to stay informed through official channels regarding any updates.

Several airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, have reported flight cancellations and diversions due to the severe weather conditions. Passengers are being urged to check their flight statuses before heading to the airport, as visibility at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport has been severely impacted.

In the Thane district, the local municipal authority has followed suit by announcing the closure of schools and colleges for safety reasons. The situation is so critical that the Central Railway services have been disrupted, with trains running at reduced speeds as loco pilots deal with low visibility caused by the torrential rain.

Emergency services are on high alert, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed to assist in rescue operations. Heavy rains have led to flooding in several areas, and reports indicate that multiple people have been evacuated from low-lying regions due to safety concerns.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has been actively monitoring the situation, calling for coordinated efforts among emergency services. He emphasized the importance of keeping people safe and providing necessary assistance to those affected by the floods.

Additionally, numerous minor accidents and disruptions have been reported across the city, adding to the frustration of commuters. Residents are being advised to avoid unnecessary travel until the weather conditions improve, and many have shared images of submerged streets and stranded vehicles on social media.