Mumbai rains: More than 1,000 rescued as normal life thrown out of gear for second day

Mumbai: More than a thousand people were rescued in the Mumbai metropolitan region (MMR) as heavy torrential rains pounded the financial capital of India leading to massive water-logging in low-lying areas besides road and rail traffic disruption throwing normal life out of gear for the second consecutive day on Tuesday.

The Mithi River, which passes through Mumbai and discharges at the Arabian Sea, has swelled at several places.

Between Sunday-Tuesday, many places in the metropolis reported over 600 mm rainfall.

Heavy water-logging was reported from MMR twin districts of Mumbai City and Mumbai Suburban and neighbouring stretches of Palghar, Thane and Raigad cities and rural areas, which were placed under ‘red alert’ for the day.

For Wednesday, an ‘orange alert’ has been sounded for Mumbai-MMR with the Regional Meteorological Centre of the IMD forecasting heavy rain or thundershowers at most places in the districts of Konkan-Goa.

“The next 48 hours are going to be crucial,” Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said after a situation review at the weekly Cabinet meeting at Mantralaya, the state secretariat.

While 400 to 500 people staying in the vicinity of the Mithi River were rescued, a similar rescue was mounted in the Vasai-Virar township in Palghar district, prompting shifting of around 500 people to safer locations.

Sensing problems, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared leave for all government and semi-government Offices in Mumbai, except those in essential services. Besides, it asked the private offices, institutions and establishments to instruct their employees to work from home and also avoid venturing out if not essential.

Over 300 mm rainfall in 24 hours

According to the BMC, many places from 0800 hrs of Monday to 0800 hrs of Tuesday reported over 300 mm rainfall. “We have received record rainfall in August,” Fadnavis said. Mumbai localities which reported over 300 mm rainfall are Chincholi Fire Station (361 mm), Kandivali Fire Station ( 337 mm), Dindoshi Colony Municipal School (305 mm), Magathane Bus Depot (304 mm), SWD Workshop,-Dadar (300 mm), Chembur Fire Station (297 mm).

Mumbai’s lifeline faces the impact

The suburban railways, considered the lifeline of Mumbai was badly affected because of the rains as both the routes faced disruptions during the day. The Central Railway and Western Railway are constantly monitoring the situation. The CR Mainline train services between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Thane station are suspended for several hours. Shuttle services are running between Thane - Karjat, Khopoli and Kasara Station. Similarly, the CR Harbour Line between Kurla and CSMT is suspended for several hours. On the WR, the services between Vasai and Virar were badly affected. To help out the stranded commuters and passengers of mail/express trains, the BMC teams helped them with water, tea and food.

Many rivers in Konkan flowing over danger mark

Many rivers in the coastal Konkan belt, which bore the brunt of the monsoon, are following over the danger mark, besides the Mithi River of Mumbai. In Thane and Palghar, the Ulhas River swelled at several places while in Raigad, the Kundalika, Amba and Savitri flowing over danger marks at some places. In Ratnagiri, the Jagbudi river has filled to the brim - while safety measures have been enforced along the Vashisth, Shastri, Kajli, Kodali. On the other hand, the Waghotan River in Sindhudurg district wore a swelled look.

Dy CMs monitor situation

Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar monitor the situation. While Shinde hit the streets in Thane and Mumbai and also inspected the Mithi River, Pawar was seen at the State Emergency Operations Centre in the Mantralaya secretariat complex.

Airport ops affected

The operations at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, one of the busiest airports, too were affected during the day. Around a dozen go arounds were reported in 24 hours. “In view of the heavy rain forecast in Mumbai, passengers are advised to check their flight status with their respective airlines and allow extra travel time to reach the airport,” the CSMIA said. National carrier Air India said: “Mumbai is experiencing persistent rain, which may affect flight schedules. Check your flight status before you head out, and allow a little extra time for travel.” In a travel advisory, IndiGo said: “With Mumbai drenched in heavy showers, several routes to the airport are witnessing waterlogging and sluggish traffic. This has, in turn, led to operational challenges, with delays in both departures and arrivals and we truly regret the inconvenience this may cause. If you’re scheduled to travel, we recommend leaving a little earlier and keeping an eye on your flight status via our app or website.” SpiceJet, in a message said: “Due to bad weather in Mumbai, all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may get affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status”.