Amidst the heavy rainfall in Mumbai, a touching video has surfaced online showing Mumbai police officers rescuing children from a school bus stuck in floodwaters.
The incident involved seven students and two female staff members from Don Bosco School in Matunga. Their bus had stalled on a waterlogged road, prompting the staff to seek assistance. Officers from a nearby station responded promptly, ensuring the children’s safety.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a holiday for educational institutions due to the adverse weather conditions. They have advised residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary. For emergencies, citizens are encouraged to contact the BMC helpline at 1916. The city is grappling with widespread waterlogging and significant traffic congestion as heavy rains continue.
Impact on Transportation
The severe weather has disrupted air travel, causing delays for numerous flights. Although specific numbers haven’t been disclosed by airport authorities, nine instances of go-arounds have been reported, where pilots aborted landings to attempt again. At least one flight was diverted, and Flightradar24 indicates an average delay of 54 minutes for departures from Mumbai.
Local train services, vital for Mumbai’s daily commuters, are also affected. Reports suggest delays ranging from 15 to 20 minutes across various routes. This disruption adds to the challenges faced by residents navigating through the city’s flooded streets.
Rescue Operation Details
A video shared earlier by IANS depicted the children stranded inside their bus after it malfunctioned. The accompanying school staff were seen making calls for help. They confirmed that seven children were present when the bus broke down. Fortunately, assistance arrived swiftly.
Once safely inside the police station, officers provided biscuits to keep the children comfortable until their parents arrived. The young ones appeared quite cheerful despite their ordeal, carrying their bags and water bottles as they were gently escorted through waist-deep waters by officers in yellow raincoats.
Rainfall Statistics
Mumbai has recorded over 54 mm of rain in just 24 hours, while its eastern and western suburbs experienced 72 mm and 65 mm respectively. This deluge has led to significant disruptions across various sectors of the city.
The heartwarming rescue operation highlights the dedication of Mumbai’s police force amidst challenging circumstances. As residents cope with these disruptions, authorities continue to monitor and respond to ongoing weather developments.