Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Mumbai woke up on Monday under the shadow of a red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), signaling heavy to very heavy rainfall across the city and its suburban districts, including Thane and Raigad . The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) ordered the closure of all afternoon-shift schools and colleges, prioritizing safety amid worsening weather conditions .

Radar data and localized reports revealed significant rainfall between 8:30 AM and 11:30 AM, especially in the Chembur area under Tata Power’s jurisdiction, which recorded 91.5 mm, followed by Vikhroli’s 78.5 mm, Juhu’s 60 mm, Sion’s 58.5 mm, Bandra’s 50 mm, Santacruz’s 47.2 mm, and Colaba's 29 mm . These deluges triggered widespread waterlogging, slowing traffic notably on arterial roads like the Western Express Highway near Vile Parle . Key neighborhoods including Andheri, Kurla, and Dadar were particularly hard hit, with submerged streets hampering both vehicular and pedestrian movement .

The deluge didn’t spare public transit either. Suburban trains running through central tracks showed significant delays: fast locals on Western Railway were delayed, while Central Railway services from CSMT and Kalyan logged delays ranging from a few to over ten minutes . Additionally, landmarks like Grant Road and central railway tracks at Kurla, Govandi, and Mankhurd reported serious waterlogging, causing further commuter disruptions .

Visuals across the city—captured and circulated widely—portrayed knee-deep waters flooding lanes, with BEST buses bravely continuing their routes even as roads resembled rivers . The relentless downpours overwhelmed drainage systems, exacerbating urban vulnerabilities during monsoon season.

According to forecasts, moderate to heavy rain coupled with gusty winds may persist through the night, and high tides could compound issues along the coastline.  With the red alert still in effect, authorities urge commuters to avoid non-essential outings, especially in low-lying and flood-prone locales.

Mumbai is currently weathering an intense monsoon episode, with the IMD’s red alert underpinning the severity of the conditions. Heavy morning downpours led to widespread waterlogging, traffic standstills, and disrupted transportation across major routes and train lines. Schools were closed for safety, and essential services remain challenged by the city's overwhelmed infrastructure. As night approaches, the city remains on high alert, contending with continuous rain and swelling tides.