Mumbai has been flooded with heavy rain for the third straight day. On Monday, the city faced serious flooding, big traffic jams, and delays in trains and buses in many parts of the city.
The red alert for heavy rain stays in effect for Tuesday. Due to this, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced that all schools and colleges will remain closed tomorrow for the safety of students and staff.
On Monday alone, many areas received over 100 mm of rain in just nine hours. Vikhroli recorded the highest rainfall with 135 mm. Other places like Chembur got 124 mm, Santacruz saw 123.9 mm, and Juhu had 123.5 mm. Nearby regions like Thane and Palghar also suffered as too much water hit major roads like Ghodbunder Road, causing trouble for daily commuters.
The heavy rain turned Mumbai’s roads into rivers. Too much water was seen in low-lying areas such as Andheri, Chembur, Sion, Juhu, and Bandra. Many main roads and subways were shut or became almost impassable. Traffic jammed across key routes like the Eastern Freeway and Western Express Highway. Visibility was low, and vehicles moved slowly or got stuck.
Local train services, which are Mumbai’s lifeline, faced delays of 15-20 minutes due to flooded tracks. The Mumbai Metro, however, operated mostly on time despite the rain. Bus routes operated by BEST were diverted in waterlogged zones, and some experienced delays or cancellations.
The city’s water supply lakes, like Vihar Lake, started overflowing, increasing flood risks. Authorities warned of high waves reaching up to four meters along the coast, which could cause worse flooding in coastal areas like Marine Drive, Juhu, and Worli Sea Face.
The BMC has deployed emergency teams, including engineers, pump operators, and health staff, to manage drainage and flood control. They are working non-stop to keep pumps running and clear waterlogged areas. Police and rescue teams helped stranded commuters and school children cross flooded streets, ensuring safety wherever they could.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and follow safety instructions from local officials. The administration has been put on high alert, with relief and rescue work prioritised across affected areas.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that Maharashtra has suffered widespread rainfall over the last two days, affecting crops on over four lakh hectares. About 206 people were rescued from flood-affected zones with help from NDRF and military teams. Offices were asked to send employees home early as a precaution.
For travellers, Mumbai Airport advises checking flight status ahead of time, as some flights are delayed or diverted due to weather conditions.
The city is fighting to stay functional amid the relentless downpour. The red alert is a warning for continued disruptions but also a call for caution and readiness as Mumbai and its people face the challenge of heavy rains.