Mumbai Rains: As Mumbai experienced the first splashes of monsoon last night, the city witnessed disrupted suburban train services, caused waterlogging in low-lying areas, and left commuters stranded.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an Orange alert for the city and neighbouring districts, including Thane, Raigad, and Palghar. The maximum temperature is expected to reach around 28 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature will hover near 24 degrees Celsius.
Suburbs Witness Heavy Rainfall, Mithi River Swells
Several places, including Kalyan, Dombibli, Karjat and Neral, have been experiencing heavy to very heavy rainfall since late Tuesday night. Cumulative rainfall was witnessed between 8 am on June 23 and 2 am on June 24 and stood at 78 mm in the city, 87 mm in the eastern suburbs and 113 mm in the western suburbs. In the hour between 1 am and 2 am alone, Bhandup Complex in the eastern suburbs recorded 40 mm of rain, while Anand Nagar Municipal School in the western suburbs logged 32 mm. The Mithi River was flowing at 1.83 metres as of early Wednesday morning.
At around 7 am, the IMD issued an orange warning for the next three hours across Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Palghar and Sindhudurg, forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall. The broader day-long alert picture has Mumbai, its suburbs and Palghar on red alert, Thane on orange, and Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg on yellow.
Are BEST Buses Running On Your Route?
Commuters relying on BEST buses should check their routes before heading out. Several BEST bus services have been diverted following severe waterlogging across Mumbai. Passengers are advised to check the BEST website or helpline for real-time updates on affected routes.
Rail Services Suspended, Underpass Blocked
The torrential weather has prompted the rail authorities to suspend services near the Trans-Harbour Line after soil beneath the tracks eroded between Turbhe and Kopar Khairane stations, rendering both the up and down lines unsafe for traffic. Central Railway authorities have announced the stretch is off-limits, and repair and restoration work is currently underway at the site. Commuters have been advised to use alternate travel options.
The Andheri underpass was shut after it flooded; afterwards, the BMC officials in the area stopped the vehicles from entering. The precaution proved necessary – a rickshaw driver who attempted to cross got stranded in the middle of the submerged subway, with two civil workers wading in to pull him to safety. “His life was in danger,” a BMC official said.
Near the eastern side of Dadar station, a tree crashed onto a car, leaving it heavily damaged. No injuries were reported. Fire brigade personnel were on site, working to cut and clear the fallen tree.
No injuries were reported. Fire brigade personnel were on site, working to cut and clear the fallen tree.
Waterlogging was reported across the region, with a tree crashing onto a car in Thane and visuals from Vasai-Virar showing uprooted trees and two-wheelers toppled by the downpour.
Moderate to heavy rain is expected to continue over Mumbai through the morning, with travel delays and waterlogging likely in low-lying areas.