Heavy rains continue to wreak havoc in Mumbai, causing severe flooding and tragic incidents. As the city struggles to cope with the aftermath of the torrential downpour, transportation services have gradually resumed, bringing a glimmer of hope to residents.
Tragic Incidents and Loss of Lives
The recent heavy rains in Mumbai have led to tragic incidents, claiming the lives of at least four individuals. One such heartbreaking incident occurred in suburban Andheri, where a 45-year-old woman drowned in a nullah that overflowed due to the heavy rainfall. This serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by monsoon season in the city.
Transportation Services Resumed
The torrential rains brought Mumbai’s transportation services to a grinding halt, disrupting road traffic and causing delays in the local train services that millions of residents rely on daily. However, there is some relief on the horizon as transportation services are slowly being restored. The Central Railways announced that local train services have resumed at Andheri station, following the receding of water after a night of relentless downpour across Maharashtra’s capital.
According to the Central Railways, all local trains are now running normally, albeit with slight delays on the main line due to rescheduled mail express movements and cautionary measures. The harbour line local trains have also resumed operations between Govandi and Mankhurd, albeit at a restricted speed of 25 kmph. Commuters are advised to exercise caution and refrain from stepping onto the waterlogged tracks.
Impact on Schools and Colleges
In light of the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) red alert for heavy rainfall in Mumbai, the city administration has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in Mumbai. This proactive measure aims to ensure the safety of students and staff during the inclement weather conditions. The Pune district administration has also followed suit, declaring a holiday for schools and colleges in response to the heavy rain forecast.
The heavy rains have not only disrupted transportation services but have also caused significant traffic disruptions and waterlogging in various parts of Mumbai. Areas such as Kurla East, Nehru Nagar, and Chembur have experienced waterlogging, leading to traffic snarls and inconvenience for commuters. The Kurla Bridge witnessed heavy traffic congestion on Wednesday night, further exacerbating the challenges faced by residents.
Flight Diversions and Airport Operations
The impact of the heavy rains extended to air travel, with as many as 14 incoming flights at the Mumbai Airport being diverted to different airports on Wednesday. This disruption was due to the inclement weather conditions that rendered landing clearance unsafe for the flights. IndiGo alone accounted for nine of the diverted flights, highlighting the scale of the challenges faced by airlines and passengers during the monsoon season.
Additionally, a landslide occurred at the Mumbra bypass around 11:30 pm on Wednesday, further complicating the already precarious situation in Mumbai. The city’s infrastructure and emergency response mechanisms are being put to the test as they struggle to mitigate the effects of the heavy rains and ensure the safety of residents.
As per data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the island city, eastern suburbs, and western suburbs received varying amounts of rainfall between 5 pm and 10 pm on Wednesday. The recorded rainfall figures highlight the intensity of the downpour and the challenges posed by flooding and waterlogging in different parts of the city.
In conclusion, Mumbai continues to grapple with the aftermath of heavy rains, with transportation services gradually resuming and authorities taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of residents. The tragic loss of lives and disruptions caused by the torrential downpour serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of the city during the monsoon season. As the situation evolves, residents are urged to exercise caution, stay informed, and prioritize safety during this challenging period.
