Mumbai paralysed after 185mm overnight rain; beaches emptied, schools & colleges shut

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Mumbai: The city’s famous seafronts were vacated on Tuesday morning after authorities ordered the evacuation of beaches and barred public access in response to overnight downpours and warnings of rough seas. Juhu, Versova, Aksa and Gorai beaches were cleared, while residents were urged to steer clear of Marine Drive, Worli Sea Face, Bandra Carter Road and the Madh Island coastlines.

The measures came as the financial hub endured yet another day of disruption following a torrential night. The India Meteorological Department placed the city and surrounding coastal districts under a red alert, warning that the intense rain was set to persist. Overnight, the city had already witnessed 185 millimetres of rainfall, with several suburbs experiencing even heavier showers.

IMD’s weekly weather forecast for Mumbai

Date Min Temp Max Temp Weather Forecast Warnings
19-Aug 23 26 Generally cloudy sky with Heavy rain Very Heavy Rainfall
20-Aug 24 26 Generally cloudy sky with Heavy rain Heavy Rainfall
21-Aug 24 28 Generally cloudy sky with Heavy rain Heavy Rainfall
22-Aug 25 28 Generally cloudy sky with moderate rain No warning
23-Aug 25 30 Rain No warning
24-Aug 25 30 Rain No warning

Data showed Vikhroli bearing the brunt with 194.5 millimetres, followed closely by Santacruz at 185, Juhu at 173.5, Byculla at 167 and Bandra at 157. In contrast, southern parts of the city faced less severe conditions, with Colaba recording 79.8 and Mahalaxmi 71.9.

All schools & colleges in Mumbai ordered to remain shut

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, citing safety concerns, ordered the closure of all schools and colleges for the day. Widespread waterlogging paralysed traffic in several neighbourhoods, including Sion’s Gandhi Market and the Andheri subway. Suburban rail services and the metro, however, continued to function, providing some relief to commuters navigating the flooded city.

Flight operations also affected

Air traffic was also thrown into disarray. Operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were hampered by low visibility and dense cloud cover, forcing ten aircraft into mid-air go-arounds. One IndiGo flight from Ahmedabad was diverted to Surat after repeated attempts to land failed.

Airlines including IndiGo and Akasa issued travel advisories, asking passengers to confirm flight statuses before leaving home and to allow additional time for road journeys hampered by gridlock and waterlogged stretches.