Mumbai Rain Highlights: E Shinde Holds Urgent Meet, Visits Civic Body’s Disaster Control Room As Rain Halts Mumbai

Understanding the Situation

Heavy rainfall has battered Mumbai, with the city recording over 300 mm of rainfall in just six hours from 1 am to 7 am today. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rain in Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and the Konkan belt. The city’s civic body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), is working to clear waterlogging across the city.

Key Highlights

• Some areas in Mumbai received more than 300 mm of rainfall in just six hours, causing inundation of roads and low-lying areas.
• The IMD defines very heavy rain as rainfall amounting to between 124.5 and 244.4 mm in a day.
• Maharashtra Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Anil Patil and NCP MLC Amol Mitkari got off a train and walked on tracks for some distance due to the train being stuck for two hours.
• Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reviewed the situation at the disaster management room at the Mumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters.
• The BMC has issued a stay-at-home advisory due to waterlogging and heavy rain.
• The Powai Lake, an artificial water body, is now overflowing.
• The IMD has predicted moderate spells of rainfall in the city and suburbs over the next few hours.
• Fifty flights have been cancelled due to heavy rain.
• Local train services have been affected due to waterlogging.
• The Raigad Fort has been closed for tourists due to heavy rain.
• Several trains have been cancelled due to waterlogging at railway stations.

Areas with Highest Rainfall

• Veer Savarkar Marg Municipal School (315.6 mm)
• MCMCR Powai (314.6 mm)
• Malpa Dongri Municipal School (292.2 mm)
• Chakala Municipal School (278.2 mm)
• Aarey Vasahat Municipal Corporation School (259.0 mm)
• Hindu Hrudayamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Municipal School (255.0 mm)
• Naryalwadi School (241.6 mm)
• Collector Colony Municipal School (221.2 mm)
• Pratikshanagar Municipal Corporation School (220.2 mm)
• Nutan Vidyamandir (190.6 mm)
• Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg Municipal School (189.0 mm)
• Shivdi Koliwada Municipal School (185.8 mm)
• Rawali Camp (176.3 mm)
• Dharavi Black Fort Municipal School (165.8 mm)
• B. Nadkarni Udyan Municipal School (156.6 mm)

Important Updates

• Vistara advises travelers to reach the airport early due to heavy traffic congestion and slow vehicle movement.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall at isolated places over the next 24 hours.
• The BMC has diverted many BEST buses from their regular route due to waterlogging.

Conclusion

The heavy rainfall in Mumbai has caused significant disruptions, with many areas experiencing waterlogging and low-lying areas being inundated. The city’s civic body is working to clear the waterlogging, and the IMD has issued an orange alert for heavy rain in the city and surrounding areas. It is essential for residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

Historical Context:

Mumbai, being a coastal city, is prone to heavy rainfall and flooding due to its geography. The city’s drainage system is often overwhelmed during heavy rainfall, leading to waterlogging and flooding. This is not an uncommon occurrence in Mumbai, and the city’s residents are generally prepared for such events. However, the intensity and frequency of heavy rainfall events have increased in recent years due to climate change, making it essential for the city’s authorities to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of such events.

In 2005, Mumbai experienced one of its worst floods in recent history, with over 1,000 mm of rainfall in a single day, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Since then, the city’s authorities have taken steps to improve its drainage system and flood management infrastructure. However, the city still faces challenges in managing heavy rainfall events, and the recent heavy rainfall is a reminder of the need for continued investment in flood mitigation measures.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Heavy rainfall has battered Mumbai, with over 300 mm of rainfall in six hours, causing waterlogging and flooding in many areas.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rain in Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and the Konkan belt.
• The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is working to clear waterlogging across the city.
• Some areas received more than 300 mm of rainfall in six hours, with Veer Savarkar Marg Municipal School recording the highest rainfall at 315.6 mm.
• The IMD has predicted moderate spells of rainfall in the city and suburbs over the next few hours.
• Fifty flights have been cancelled due to heavy rain, and local train services have been affected.
• The Raigad Fort has been closed for tourists due to heavy rain, and several trains have been cancelled due to waterlogging at railway stations.
• The BMC has issued a stay-at-home advisory due to waterlogging and heavy rain.
• Vistara advises travelers to reach the airport early due to heavy traffic congestion and slow vehicle movement.
• The IMD has predicted heavy rainfall at isolated places over the next 24 hours.
• The BMC has diverted many BEST buses from their regular route due to waterlogging.