Mumbai, July 27, 2023 – The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘red alert’ for Mumbai and three other districts in Maharashtra as the region experiences incessant heavy rainfall. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in the city on July 27, 2023, to ensure the safety of students.
The ‘red alert’ issued by the IMD is in effect from 8 pm on Wednesday until the afternoon of July 27, 2023, for Mumbai, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts. The warning indicates the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places, with extremely heavy rainfall expected at isolated locations.
The city of Mumbai bore the brunt of the downpour, receiving 61.19 mm of rainfall between 8 am and 4 pm on Wednesday. Several areas, including Fort, Colaba, Nariman Point, Elphinstone Road, Grant Road, and suburbs such as Andheri, Marol, Jogeshwari, and Goregaon, witnessed more than 100 mm of rainfall within a span of 12 hours.
Despite the heavy rains, suburban train services remained operational, with only slight delays. However, road traffic was severely affected throughout the day, leading to diversions in some bus routes due to waterlogging in certain areas.
The Colaba observatory recorded 124.8 mm of rainfall in 12 hours, while the Santacruz observatory in the Mumbai suburbs recorded 124 mm during the same period. The island city experienced heavy rainfall between 3 pm and 4 pm, while the western suburbs were pummeled with heavy downpours from 6 pm to 7 pm.
Fortunately, there have been no major reports of waterlogging in the metropolis until 8 pm, as civic authorities have been on high alert to tackle potential flood situations.
The BMC urged all citizens to stay indoors and remain cautious during this period of intense rainfall. They emphasized following instructions from the administration to ensure personal safety and the safety of others.
Given the severity of the weather conditions and the possibility of further disruptions, BMC’s decision to declare a holiday for all schools and colleges in Mumbai on July 27 is aimed at minimizing potential risks for students and staff.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to respond to any emergencies that may arise due to the heavy rains. Residents are advised to stay tuned to official weather updates and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.
While the rains are vital for the region’s water supply, extreme weather events like this require vigilance and preparedness to mitigate any adverse impacts on daily life and infrastructure. As Mumbai faces the challenge of managing the downpour, cooperation and adherence to safety guidelines will play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of its residents.
