The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai after extremely heavy rainfall is predicted over the weekend as monsoon showers are battering the financial capital. The highest level weather notice has been extended to nearby districts of Thane, Palghar, and Raigad, and the government also ordered residents to be wary and avoid unnecessary travel.
Mumbai is expected to receive widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall, and isolated areas may be hit extremely hard on Saturday and Sunday, the IMD said in its latest district-wise forecast. The weather agency said the forecast is very likely and there is a high probability of severe weather conditions that could severely impact daily life, transport services, and civic infrastructure.
The red alert comes after several days of continuous rainfall disrupted daily lives across Mumbai. Waterlogging in some low-lying areas led to traffic jams and suburban railway service cut-off in Mumbai’s central business district. Heavy rain also slowed traffic on a number of key roads, and civic authorities remained on high alert for possible flooding as monsoon activity picked up, they said.
The rainfall in the past 24 hours has already been significant. Data released by civic authorities indicated that areas of Mumbai received more than 150 mm of rainfall, with the Mandavi Fire Station receiving the highest accumulation. The persistent rainfall and the high tide forecast on the city’s coastline heighten the danger of urban flooding in low-lying and susceptible areas.
The IMD also warned that the wet spell isn’t going to end with the weekend. Heavy to very heavy rains are expected in some places across Mumbai on Monday and heavy showers in parts of Mumbai on Tuesday. Meteorologists warned that the Konkan region is expected to see heavy monsoon activity through the beginning of next week.
Neighbouring districts are expected to bear the brunt of the intensified monsoon. Thane and Palghar are under a red alert for Saturday and Sunday due to the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places. Raigad district is also under a red alert for Friday and Saturday, with the weather on a constantly changing situation.
Disaster management agencies and civic officials have intensified preparedness measures in anticipation of severe weather. Emergency response teams have been deployed across vulnerable locations to respond quickly to waterlogging and localized flooding. Authorities are also coordinating with transport agencies to respond quickly to any disruptions caused by the adverse weather.
Residents should closely monitor all the weather updates from the IMD and the local councils, officials said. They have advised people not to travel unless it is necessary, particularly during periods of intense rainfall and high tide when flooding is imminent. Commuters are also advised to check transport advisories before travelling, as heavy rain will have an impact on road traffic, suburban rail services, and other public transport.
The current prediction also shows the monsoon activity on Maharashtra's coastline is increasing. With rainfall expected to remain heavy for the next few days, authorities are still monitoring the situation to avoid any disruption and to protect public safety in Mumbai as a whole as the city braces for another blast of heavy rain.
