Mumbai rains: Waterlogging, traffic jams grip city as IMD issues fresh rain alert

Mumbai rain (ANI)

Relentless downpours over the weekend worsened Mumbai’s monsoon woes, triggering severe waterlogging and traffic snarls across the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds over the next two days, keeping authorities and residents on high alert.

According to an ABP Live report, key roads were submerged, turning daily commutes into gruelling ordeals for thousands. However, the silver lining lies in the city’s water reservoirs, which have seen a significant rise in levels. Data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reveals that the seven lakes supplying Mumbai now hold 81.86% of their total capacity, which is a substantial 11,84,796 million litres as of July 19.

The IMD predicted overcast skies and moderate rainfall throughout the week, ABP Live reported. Monday is expected to bring cooler temperatures, though high humidity may linger. Similar conditions, steady showers and cloudy skies, are likely on Tuesday and Wednesday, with no immediate warnings of extreme weather.

Meanwhile, as Mumbai battles the rains, several Indian states have recorded normal monsoon rainfall this season, including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab and northeastern regions like Tripura and Nagaland. Southern and western areas, such as Goa, Maharashtra, and Kerala, have also seen precipitation within expected ranges, according to IMD data, as cited by ABP Live.

The southwest monsoon remains crucial for India’s economy, particularly agriculture, which sustains 42% of the population and contributes 18.2% to GDP. Beyond farming, consistent rains are vital for drinking water supplies and hydroelectric power generation.