Mumbai rain mayhem: Schools, colleges closed; traffic comes to standstill, flight & trains affected
As a result of the nonstop rain, the BMC announced a holiday for all schools and colleges that work in the second shift (after 12 pm) on Monday. The local train system was also running late by about 10 minutes. However, train services were not stopped.
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Mumbai: The city faced very heavy rainfall early Monday morning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert, warning of more heavy rain. Because of this, the local government closed all schools and colleges for the day. Many areas in Mumbai were flooded due to the downpour, which has lasted for three consecutive days.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis mentioned that Mumbai got 177 mm of rainfall in just 6 to 8 hours. He warned people to stay safe since more rain and high tides were expected throughout the day. The district officials from Nanded, Latur, and Bidar are working together to help those affected.
Mumbai rains: Flight operations affected
Bad weather disrupted many flights. Some had to circle before landing, and one was sent to Surat instead. Due to heavy rain and poor visibility, access roads to the airport became crowded, causing problems for travelers, according to an airport staff member.
An airport official said nine flights had to go around the airport before finally landing, while one flight was sent to Surat by noon. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) asked people to only go out if truly needed. The IMD also told fishermen to avoid going into the Arabian Sea.
Airlines like Akasa Air and IndiGo told passengers to allow extra travel time since traffic was heavy near the airport. Akasa Air wrote on X, "Due to the rain in some parts of Mumbai, Bengaluru, Goa, and Pune, there is slow traffic and delays on roads to the airport. Please leave early so you can reach the airport on time.”
IndiGo also gave a similar message. They said their staff at the airport would help passengers if needed. "If you have a flight today, we suggest you leave early and check our app or website for updates. Our airport teams are ready to support you,” IndiGo posted on X
Mumbai local trains running late, traffic comes to standstill
The local train system was also running late by about 10 minutes. However, train services were not stopped. Some areas on the Harbour Line had water on the tracks, and a technical issue between Kurla and Tilak Nagar stations also slowed trains.
The heavy rain caused flooding in several parts of Mumbai, making traffic move slowly. Because of the flooding, both sides of the Andheri subway were closed for vehicles. The traffic police said that vehicles would be diverted to the Thackeray and Gokhale bridges instead.
Flooding was also seen near Vakola bridge, Hyatt Junction, and Khar subway, leading to slow traffic in those areas too, police said.
Mumbai rains: Schools, colleges closed
As a result of the nonstop rain, the BMC announced a holiday for all schools and colleges that work in the second shift (after 12 pm) on Monday. "To keep students safe during the ongoing heavy rain, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in the second shift (after 12 noon) on August 18,” the BMC posted on X.
Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti also asked people to be careful as the rain continued. "Dear citizens of Mumbai, please be careful. The heavy rain is still going on. There are reports of water-logging and low visibility in many places. Try not to travel unless it’s important. Plan your travel and stay safe,” he posted on X.