Heavy Rainfall Paralyzes Mumbai: Flights Cancelled, Train Services Disrupted, Schools Closed
Mumbai has been inundated with heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours, causing widespread waterlogging and significant disruptions to daily life. Suburban train services, a vital mode of transport for over 30 lakh commuters in Mumbai and neighboring regions like Thane, Palghar, and Raigad, have been severely affected. With some areas recording over 300 mm of rainfall within just six hours, the city is grappling with the aftermath of the downpour.
Severe Rainfall Leads to Extensive Waterlogging
In the last 24 hours, Mumbai has experienced a deluge, resulting in severe waterlogging across various parts of the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and the Konkan belt, indicating the likelihood of further heavy rains. Areas like Vikhroli’s Veer Savarkar Marg Municipal School and MCMCR Powai have recorded the highest rainfall, exceeding 315 mm.
Flight Cancellations and Travel Warnings
The relentless rain has led to the cancellation of over 50 flights. Airlines have taken to social media platforms to advise passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. The continuous downpour and poor visibility have made air travel precarious, resulting in significant delays and cancellations.
Public Transportation in Chaos
Mumbai’s streets and public transportation systems are in disarray. Visuals from various parts of the city depict people navigating waist-deep waters and vehicles stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. The government has ordered the closure of all schools and colleges, both public and private, as a precautionary measure.
At Dombivli station, commuters were seen waiting for trains on submerged tracks. Waterlogging has been reported in multiple areas, including Worli, Buntara Bhavan in Kurla East, King’s Circle, Dadar, and Vidyavihar Railway Station. The suburban train services, essential for daily commuters, have been heavily impacted, causing significant inconvenience.
Rail Services Disrupted
The rain has caused significant disruptions to rail services, particularly between Kasara and Titwala stations in Thane district. Soil erosion on the tracks between Atgaon and Thansit stations has led to the suspension of services on the busy Kalyan-Kasara route. Officials declared the tracks unsafe around 6:30 am, adding to the travel woes of daily commuters.
Continuous Rainfall Forecasted
The IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall for Mumbai, with no immediate respite in sight. If the rain ceases for over two hours, waterlogging might subside, but current forecasts suggest continuous heavy rain throughout the day. High tide around 2 pm is expected to bring sea waves up to 4.4 meters, potentially exacerbating the waterlogging situation.
Impact on Train and Air Travel
Several trains have been diverted, rescheduled, or terminated due to the waterlogging between Kalyan and Kasara stations. The heavy rainfall and flash floods in the Vasind-Khardi section between 3 am and 6 am damaged the track embankment, further disrupting rail traffic.
The city’s airport has also been affected, with more than 250 flights delayed and at least 30 flights canceled. The website of the tracking service Flightradar24 reported significant disruptions at the city’s airport, adding to the travel chaos.
Emergency Response and Rescue Operations
In response to the flooding, several teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in various affected areas, including Thane, Vasai (Palghar), Mahad (Raigad), Chiplun (Ratnagiri), Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Ghatkopar, Kurla, and Sindhudurg. The NDRF has successfully rescued 49 people from a water-logged resort in Thane and 16 villagers in Palghar using boats and life jackets.
Educational Institutions and Examination Rescheduling
Due to the severe weather conditions, Mumbai University has rescheduled all examinations for the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE, formerly IDOL) initially planned for the first half of the day. The new dates for these exams have been set for July 13.
Conclusion
The heavy rainfall in Mumbai has brought the city to a standstill, affecting daily life, travel, and education. With forecasts predicting continuous rain, residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The authorities are working tirelessly to manage the situation, but the scale of the disruption highlights the challenges posed by extreme weather events in urban areas.
