Mumbai on red alert as Maharashtra CM reviews rain, relief measures

Mumbai: Heavy overnight showers accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning brought Mumbai to a halt on Sunday morning, with several areas reporting waterlogging. The downpour coincides with the Navratri-Durga Puja festivities, disrupting celebrations in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Raigad under a red alert, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall along with thunderstorms and gusty winds over the next couple of days.

Between 8 am on Saturday and 6 am Sunday, Mumbai city recorded 69.8 mm of rainfall, while the eastern and western suburbs received 63.32 mm and 73.25 mm, respectively, according to the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Residents reported heavy rain between 5 am and 6 am, following a midnight spell of thunder and lightning.

Despite the downpour, suburban train services on the Central and Western Railways ran without disruption. However, waterlogging was reported in several low-lying areas, including Vasai, Nalasopara, Virar and Thane. Pune district too witnessed heavy rain.

CM reviews Marathwada situation

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reviewed rainfall and relief operations in eight districts of Marathwada—Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Beed, Hingoli, Jalna, Latur, Nanded, Dharashiv, Parbhani—as well as Solapur in western Maharashtra.

“The CM has ordered proper arrangements for food, water and health facilities in relief camps. He has also directed the immediate supply of fodder in some districts facing shortages. While dam discharge is being increased, officials have been asked to ensure timely relocation of citizens from vulnerable areas. All officers have been instructed to stay on the ground and monitor relief work,” officials from the Chief Minister’s Office said.

NDRF teams deployed

With IMD forecasting heavy rain across Konkan, Goa, Marathwada and the ghats of Madhya Maharashtra, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed in Solapur, Dharashiv, Beed and Latur. Teams in Pune, Mumbai, Thane and Nagpur remain on standby.

Private forecaster Rushikesh Agre warned that northern parts of Mumbai, including Vasai, Virar and Palghar, may witness heavier showers. “On/off moderate to heavy rains will continue to prevail over Mumbai and parts of MMR. A lot of rain is expected tomorrow, so be cautious while planning outdoor activities,” he said.

Officials have urged residents in rain-hit districts to remain alert, especially in low-lying areas and near water bodies, as the state braces for more downpours in the coming days.