Heavy Rains Cause Flooding in Mumbai: Rivers Near Danger Mark, Train Services Disrupted
Thane (Maharashtra), July 8: After heavy rainfall, the Kalu River in Thane and Kundalika River in Raigad are nearing their danger mark. The Superintendent Engineer of Thane Region reported that the Kundalika River is flowing at 22.5 meters, just below its warning level of 23 meters, and the Kalu River is at 101.1 meters, close to its warning level of 102 meters.
The Central Railways announced that due to the heavy rainfall causing waterlogging, train services on the main line-down and up fast line between CSMT-Thane are suspended. However, the down and up slow lines are operational. Harbour line services are temporarily suspended due to waterlogging at Chunnabhati.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued an alert for Mumbai residents, urging them to stay indoors. A helpline number 1916 has been provided for assistance and official information. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘Red Alert’ for Mumbai, predicting heavy rainfall until July 12.
Mumbai received 101.8 mm of rainfall in the city and 14.1 mm in the suburbs between 8 am and 6 pm on Monday. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation declared a holiday for all schools on July 9 due to the weather conditions.
Visuals show waterlogging in Mumbai, leading to the temporary closure of Andheri subway and traffic being diverted to Swami Vivekanand Road. Central Railways have taken multiple precautions, including deploying additional manpower to manage crowds and prevent incidents.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde chaired a high-level meeting to review the situation and directed all emergency agencies to be on high alert. He urged citizens to go out only if necessary and appealed for cooperation from the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, Police Administration, and Emergency Services.
Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole criticized the government for its handling of the situation, calling it a failure. Waterlogging was reported in several areas, including Worli, Kurla East, and Dadar. Powai Lake started overflowing around 4:45 a.m. due to the heavy rains.