Large parts of Maharashtra continue to reel under the impact of relentless monsoon rains, with Mumbai and the Konkan region witnessing widespread flooding, landslides, building collapses and major disruption to road, rail and air transport. Authorities across the state remain on high alert as heavy rainfall is expected to continue through the day.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for Mumbai, Thane and Raigad forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has advised to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary, avoid beaches, waterlogged areas, trees, dilapidated buildings, hoardings and electric poles, and refrain from parking vehicles under trees. The civic body has urged residents to rely only on official advisories and contact its emergency helpline 1916 in case of any emergency.
As a precautionary measure, the Maharashtra government has ordered the closure of all government, municipal and private schools and colleges today across the coastal districts, including Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, as well as Pune.
Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds has continued to lash Mumbai since yesterday night, resulting in waterlogging in several low-lying areas and slowing vehicular movement across the city. Suburban train services on the Central, Western and Harbour Railway networks continue to operate with minor delays. Flight operations at Mumbai Airport have also witnessed delays because of poor visibility and adverse weather conditions.
Traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway has also been affected following a landslide in the Karjat-Lonavala section. While vehicular movement from Mumbai towards Pune through the Missing Link has been restored, traffic from Pune towards Mumbai via the Missing Link remains suspended. Vehicles travelling towards Mumbai are being diverted through the old Mumbai-Pune National Highway (NH-48), and motorists have been advised to cooperate with authorities and avoid unnecessary travel.