Weather and Rainfall Updates
The IMD has warned of “heavy to very heavy rainfall at many locations and extremely heavy showers in isolated areas” for Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and Palghar. The persistent rain is attributed to a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, which is driving strong monsoon winds and moisture into the region.
The city has already received a staggering amount of rain, with over 550mm recorded in just the first 81 hours of August. This is nearly the average rainfall for the entire month, indicating the severity of the current weather system. Areas like Chembur, Dadar, and Worli have been particularly hit, with rainfall breaching the 150mm mark on Monday alone.
Waterlogging and Commuter Woes
As a result of the heavy rain, several low-lying areas are submerged in water. Reports of severe waterlogging have come in from places like Andheri Subway, Kurla, Chembur, and Gandhi Market. Commuters are facing immense difficulties, with vehicles navigating through flooded streets and traffic moving at a snail’s pace.
In Navi Mumbai, areas such as Vashi, Turbhe, and Sanpada are also heavily affected. The Panvel railway station has reported 10-15 minute delays on the Harbour Line due to waterlogging on the tracks.
Local Trains and Flight Status
The lifeline of Mumbai, the local train network, is facing significant challenges. While Central Railway and Western Railway are operating, there have been delays. The Central Railway’s Harbour Line has reported delays due to water on the tracks and technical snags. Commuters are advised to check for real-time updates before beginning their journey.
Flight operations at Mumbai airport have also been impacted. Airlines like IndiGo and Akasa Air have issued advisories, urging passengers to plan for additional travel time to the airport due to waterlogging on approach roads. Some flights have been forced to perform “go-arounds” before landing or have been diverted to other airports.
High Tide Alert
A high tide is expected at 9:17 AM today, with a height of 12.27 ft (3.74m). A second high tide is forecast for 8:36 PM at 10.37 ft (3.16m). The combination of a high tide and ongoing heavy rainfall raises concerns about increased waterlogging in coastal areas. Residents in these zones, and those living in low-lying areas, have been urged to exercise extreme caution and stay indoors.
School Holidays and Public Advisory
In a proactive measure, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in Mumbai city and suburbs for today, August 19. This decision was made in response to the red alert and the potential for dangerous travel conditions. The BMC has also advised the public to avoid all non-essential travel and to stay indoors. The Mumbai Police have echoed this message, reminding citizens to plan their travel carefully and to use emergency helplines if needed.
Situation in Pune and Other Parts of Maharashtra
While Mumbai faces a red alert, other parts of Maharashtra are also grappling with the monsoon’s fury. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Pune, where the city received its first substantial showers of August yesterday. Water has been discharged from the Panshet and Varasgaon dams, and authorities have warned of potential flooding in low-lying areas near river banks. Residents in the ghat areas of Pune and Satara have been placed on red alert due to the risk of landslides and rock falls.
Authorities across the state are working to manage the situation and have urged citizens to remain vigilant and follow official advisories. The rainfall is expected to continue across Maharashtra until at least August 21, with a gradual decrease in intensity from Thursday onwards.