Monsoon mayhem far from over in Mumbai: Heavy rain continues, causes severe disruptions

Mumbai rains PTI

As the incessant downpour since the last several days shows no sign of relent, the Met Office has extended the orange alert on Mumbai for Friday as well.

The rain has caused significant disruptions to life in Mumbai, throwing the traffic out of gear, delaying trains and flights, and leaving large parts of the city waterlogged. The mayhem has caused death of a woman by drowning, while residents in various places are seen struggling to wade through the inundated streets.

The warning from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for more rain persists as the forecast shows that the wet spell is far from over. More showers, with temperatures hovering between 23 degrees and 31 degrees are likely on Friday, the IMD said. The rain is expected to continue for the next few days, with moderate showers predicted for September 28 and 29.

The situation is likely to improve only briefly by the end of the month, with heavier rain expected again from the October 1.

Mumbai authorities and the city civic body have advised people to stay indoors as much as possible and commuters to take precautions.

Checking traffic updates, avoiding low-lying flood-prone areas, and using public transport, instead of using private vehicles, are crucial to avoid getting stuck. Train services, though slowed down in some areas, are running fairly normally, while major roadways like the Western Express Highway continued to be heavily congested.

With weather conditions remaining unpredictable, residents are encouraged to stay informed and plan their travel carefully. Safety gear such as raincoats, umbrellas, and waterproof bags should be kept handy, and drivers are urged to proceed cautiously on slippery roads to prevent accidents, said the authorities.

As Mumbai braces for more rain, preparedness is key for getting through these challenging days safely.

(With inputs from agencies)