Nation

The IMPENDING HOURS ahead remain bleak, with expected rainfall ranging from moderate to extreme—mirroring the intensity of the current deluge. This has forced authorities to take sweeping measures to safeguard residents and manage the crisis proactively.

The IMD’s red-alert warning reflects the severe nature of the situation, with predictions of intense rainfall accompanied by gusty winds across Mumbai and surrounding districts. Citizens are urged to stay indoors and avoid all non-essential travel.

Several areas—Chincholi, Dadar, Chembur, Vikhroli, and Juhu—have each recorded extraordinary rainfall between 250 mm and over 300 mm, compounding the city's distress. This level of precipitation has led to widespread waterlogging, notably along the Eastern Freeway, Western Express Highway, and areas such as Andheri, Kurla, Dadar, Byculla, and more.

Commuters have been severely affected, with local trains—particularly on the Harbour, Central, and Western lines—either delayed or suspended due to water-logged tracks. Subways like Andheri have been rendered impassable, and traffic microcosms have evolved into literal pools.

Institutions across the city have responded: schools, colleges, and both government and semi-government offices have been shut, while private entities have been urged to permit employees to work from home. Hospitals, essential services, and emergency operations remain functional.

The Mumbai Airport is also reeling under pressure. Multiple airlines—including IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air—have issued advisories, as flight schedules face widespread disruptions, delays, go-arounds, and even diversions due to flooded access routes and city-wide congestion.

Authorities are responding assertively. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the Mumbai Police, NDRF teams, and disaster control rooms are all fully mobilized. In critical hotspots like Kurla’s Kranti Nagar—where the Mithi River has climbed to danger level—evacuations to designated shelters are underway.

Tragically, there have been casualties as well: two deaths have been reported in Mumbai—one from a wall collapse in Napean Sea Road and another due to electrocution in Kanjurmarg. Across Maharashtra, the downpour has claimed more lives and inflicted serious damage to agriculture, with some districts witnessing complete inundation of cropland.

Mumbai stands immobilized under a red alert. Streets and infrastructure are submerged. Schools, offices, and public transit systems are either suspended or severely altered. Airport operations are disrupted, and human and agricultural losses continue to mount. Rescue and relief teams are actively engaged across the city, and authorities are urging residents to stay indoors, remain vigilant, and minimize travel.

Despite the chaos, train services persist with the Indian Railways emphasizing "Won’t stop, won’t pause," underscoring their resilience in the face of adversity.