Mumbai-Pune rains: PM Modi's Pune visit cancelled due to record rainfall; woman drowns in open drain in Mumbai

In response to the severe conditions, the BMC has announced a complete shutdown of schools and colleges on September 26.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's planned visit to Pune on September 26 has been cancelled as the city grapples with heavy rainfall. On September 25, Pune recorded an astounding 131 mm of rain, primarily falling within just three hours, marking the highest 24-hour rainfall for September in 86 years. The previous record was set on September 21, 1938, with 132.3 mm, and the final rainfall figures from 8:30 AM on Wednesday are anticipated to be released Thursday, potentially surpassing the 1938 record.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Pune, reporting "very heavy" rainfall in the city over the past 24 hours. Shivajinagar witnessed around 133 mm of rain, leading to significant flooding in several areas and ultimately forcing the cancellation of PM Modi's public rally.

Meanwhile, in Mumbai, a woman, aged 45, drowned in an open drain in Andheri on Wednesday, as heavy rain lashed Mumbai, leading to waterlogging in various parts of the city. She was declared brought dead by a hospital after fire fighters recovered her body.

The Mumbai Police and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) have issued warnings, urging residents to stay indoors as much as possible. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed Mumbai and surrounding districts of Thane, Palghar, and Raigad under a red alert for extreme rainfall till September 26 morning.

In response to the severe weather, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged residents in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Palghar, and surrounding districts to avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary. In a post on X, Fadnavis stated, "Please stay safe everyone and don’t step out if not necessary. All local, state, and central government agencies are working hard and closely coordinating to mitigate the situation. Keep following the alerts and messages from respective agencies and departments."

Incessant rain has left most low-lying areas of the city submerged, bringing down local train service to a halt, and forcing the diversion of at least 14 flights bound for Mumbai. IndiGo, which had nine flights out of the 14 diverted, cited unsafe landing conditions and stormy weather for the move. SpiceJet also cautioned passengers about potential delays and cancellations due to heavy rain and wind.

BMC, the city civic body, has announced a complete shutdown of schools and colleges on September 26 because of the severe weather conditions. Suburban train services were resumed as rainfall eased overnight.

Public transport disruptions extended beyond the railways, with several BEST bus routes being diverted. The affected routes included:

- Shell Colony (routes 360, 355, 357) diverted via Chembur Naka
- Kurla Nehru Nagar (routes 501, 369, 362, 361) diverted via S.G. Barve Marg
- Sainath Subway, Malad (routes 345, 460) diverted via S.V. Road
- Gol Mandir, Bhendi Bazaar (route 42) diverted via J.J. Road
- Sheetal Cinema (routes 320, 365, 326) operations suspended after 9 p.m.
- Shivaji Nagar (routes 357, 19, 375, 404, 350) operations suspended
- Dadar TT Tilak Road (routes 171, 67, 169, 172) diverted via Ruia Junction
- Dadar TT Tilak Road Extension (routes 63, 151, 174, 201, 521) diverted via Sharda Cinema

A landslide on the Mumbra Bypass in Thane on Tuesday evening worsened the situation, triggering a three-hour traffic jam in the area.

According to BMC data, Mankhurd in eastern Mumbai was hit hardest by the rain, receiving 276mm of precipitation between 5pm and 10pm on September 25. Bhandup and Powai followed closely with 275mm and 274mm of rain, while Sewri Koliwada and Wadala recorded over 145mm each. The western suburbs saw rainfall totalling up to 190mm.

The IMD has forecast that isolated heavy rain will continue across the region until September 27, keeping the authorities and citizens on high alert.