Mumbai: The financial capital of India witnessed one of the heaviest rain spells of this monsoon season, with continuous downpours from the night of August 15 into the early hours of August 16. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported over 200 mm of rainfall in multiple regions, with Vikhroli topping the charts at 248.5 mm, followed by Santacruz with 232.5 mm and Sion at 221 mm. Other areas such as Juhu, Bandra, and Byculla also recorded substantial rainfall.

According to civic authorities, the average rainfall recorded between 8 am on August 15 and 4 am on August 16 was 99.61 mm in the city division, 142.80 mm in the eastern suburbs, and 144.57 mm in the western suburbs. In Ghatkopar, Ramabai Municipal School recorded 49 mm of rain within a single hour, marking an intense spell.

The heavy rain caused severe waterlogging in several low-lying areas, including Sion, Andheri, Chunabhatti, Chembur, and Kurla. Water accumulation on railway tracks between Tilaknagar and Kurla on the harbour line led to massive delays of up to one hour on services between Kurla and Wadala. Despite the disruption, Mumbai’s suburban trains remained largely functional, and road traffic, though affected, continued with manageable delays.

The Mumbai Police advised residents to avoid non-essential travel due to waterlogging and poor visibility. With more heavy rain predicted, officials have warned citizens, especially those in flood-prone zones, to remain cautious.

IMD Red Alert Issued
The IMD has issued a red alert for Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, and Ratnagiri districts, predicting moderate to intense rainfall over the next few hours. BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani directed civic officials to implement emergency measures to tackle waterlogging and landslides. Tragically, a landslide in Vikhroli claimed two lives and left two others injured.

Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh, the monsoon death toll rose to 257, including 133 rain-related fatalities, as landslides and flash floods continued to disrupt normal life.