Heavy rain lashed Mumbai and its suburbs early Monday morning, leading to widespread waterlogging on key roads and low-lying areas, causing major traffic snarls across the city and crippling the normal life of city residents. The city recorded over 300 mm of rain at various places in six hours from 1 am to 7 am, according to the civic officials.
Several areas, including Andheri, Kurla, Bhandup, King's Circle, Vile Parle and Dadar, among other locations, reported significant water accumulation. The incessant rain overwhelmed storm drains, causing traffic to come to a standstill in many parts of India's financial capital.
Vehicles were seen drifting in the water in some locations as people waded through knee-deep waters.
"More than 300 millimeters of rain has been recorded at different places in the six-hour period from midnight yesterday to 7 am today. Heavy rains have caused waterlogging in some low-lying areas and suburban rail services have also been disrupted," the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.
Schools closed: The BMC announced a half-day holiday for government and private schools and colleges under the civic body's jurisdiction. The decision on the afternoon session of classes will be announced later.
Heavy rain also disrupted suburban train services as well as the BEST bus services. Several BEST buses were diverted from their regular routes, officials stated.
Trains cancelled: The Central Railway cancelled MMR-CSMT (12110), Pune-CSMT (11010), Pune-CSMT Deccan (12124), Pune-CSMT Deccan (11007) and CSMT-Pune Intercity Express (12127) trains.
Local train services were also stopped briefly and resumed later after water receded from the tracks.
"Central Railway suburban services were affected due to heavy rains. Train services are affected at Sion and between Bhandup and Nahur stations. Rain water was above the tracks, so trains were stopped for nearly one hour. Now water has receded a bit, so trains are restarting, but services are still affected," a senior official said at 8 am.
Airlines issue advisory: In view of the unfavourable weather conditions in Delhi, the Vistara airline advised commuters to plan their journey to the airport accordingly. "Heavy traffic congestion and slow vehicle movement are expected enroute to Mumbai Airport today due to weather conditions. Customers are advised to allow more time for their journey to the airport," the airline said in a statement.
Traffic jams across the city: Highways and key roads in the city that are not submerged saw heavy traffic during the rush hours on Monday morning. Visuals from the Western Expressway showed long stretches of vehicles struggling to navigate.
'STAY HOME' ADVISORY FROM CIVIC BODY
Rain to continue: The city is expected to continue receiving heavy rain in the coming hours. As per the latest India Materialological Department forecast on Monday morning, Mumbai is expected to see "generally cloudy sky with moderate to heavy rain in the city and its suburbs".
The BMC advised city residents to stay safe and step out of home soon if necessary.
"The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in Mumbai today. In the wake of continuous rains, the entire machinery of the BMC is working on the field. Mumbaikar are requested not believe in any rumours. Also, to step out of the house only if it is necessary. In case of an emergency, call 1916 for immediate assistance," the civic body said.
High tide predicted: The weather authorities also warned that the city will see a high tide of 4.2 meters at around 2 pm today due to the prevailing weather situation.
