Mumbai has been paralysed after four days of continuous heavy downpour has caused massive waterlogging in several areas in the city. Visuals put out on social media showed cars submerged and people trying to traverse through knee-deep water in many areas. Transport services have been hit and the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges. The Maharashtra government expanded the public holiday to include other parts of coastal Konkan region as well. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed to people not to step out of their homes unless absolutely necessary.
‘Heaviest rains since 2005, more to come’
According to IANS, Monday's rainfall was the maximum that Mumbai has seen over a 24-hour period since 1974. In the past 24 hours, Mumbai and its suburbs have received between 350 to 500 mm of rainfall, with an average rainfall around 375 mm. Private weather agency Skymet Weather stated that the city is at "serious risk of flooding" between July 3 and 5. "Close to 200 mm or more rain per day is likely during this period, which could hamper normal life," it said.
Transport services affected
The Central Railway (CR) early on Tuesday suspended suburban train services after incessant heavy rain flooded tracks at several spots between Mumbai-Thane, and services on Western Railway were also hit as Maharashtra government declared a public holiday for the city. The CR train services, which were earlier suspended between Thane-Kurla, were suspended from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to Thane due to tracks getting submerged at various locations on the route and delays were reported on WR suburban network. Long-distance trains from different parts of India, expected to reach Mumbai, have also been stranded at various locations en route, details of which are awaited.
There were delays in arrivals and departures, 54 flights diverted to and from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, with operations getting hit after a Spicejet aircraft overshot the runway shortly before midnight.
Heavy road traffic also continued for the second consecutive day in the city and suburbs as many areas were waterlogged, and the subways in Andheri, Jogeshwari, Vile Parle and Dahisar flooded. The two highways, main and arterials roads remained virtually deserted as people chose to remain indoors, autorickshaws, taxis and aggregator cabs were also largely missing.
Buses have also been diverted at Sion and Gandhi Market at King’s Circle. Diversions are taking place in multiple areas in the city due to severe flooding.
Death toll
At least 27 people have been reported killed throughout the state due to the heavy rains. A wall collapse in Malad East area in Mumbai also resulted in the death of 18 persons. Over twenty people were injured in the accident and are being treated at local hospitals. According to reports, a 10-year-old girl was trapped under the debris and rescue operations were underway.
Navy, NDRF deployed
The Indian Navy’s INS Tanaji and Materiali Organisation launched rescue operations in the city. According to reports, they were later joined by naval diving. “The team of INS Tanaji encountered extreme waterlogging and abandoned vehicles, preventing their own vehicles from reaching the site. The team moved on foot, carrying safety gear like lifebuoys and life jackets and was able to help elderly women and children to safer areas,” the Navy said in a statement to the media