Mumbai Deluge: City Paralyzed by Heavy Rains and Red Alerts

Heavy rains returned to Mumbai and surrounding areas, prompting the Met department to issue red alerts predicting extremely heavy rainfall. Multiple flights were diverted, local trains were delayed, and road traffic slowed due to water-logging. The IMD forecasted continued adverse weather in various districts of Maharashtra.

Heavy rains made a dramatic comeback to Mumbai and its surrounding areas on Wednesday, compelling the Met department to issue a red alert warning for the city and neighboring districts, anticipating 'extremely heavy rainfall'.

According to a civic official, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) upgraded its earlier orange alert to a red alert for Mumbai, effective until 8:30 am on Thursday.

Due to the inclement weather, officials reported the diversion of two flights and go-arounds for seven others at Mumbai airport. Road traffic was sluggish and local train services suffered delays.

Several suburbs, with Mulund bearing the brunt, experienced significant rainfall from Wednesday afternoon, leading to water-logging in low-lying areas.

The island city saw heavy showers that significantly hampered road traffic due to water-logging and low visibility, further delaying local train operations, stated officials.

In its latest advisory, issued at 5:30 pm, the IMD forecasted 'extremely heavy rainfall and thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds' at certain locations in Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and Ratnagiri districts.

The Met department extended a red alert for Palghar and an orange alert for Thane, Raigad, Mumbai, and Pune for September 26, while Nashik and Dhule districts received an orange alert for the same date.

IMD scientist Sushma Nair explained that a trough running from north Konkan to south Bangladesh, coupled with cyclonic circulation over south Chhattisgarh, is expected to bring widespread light to moderate rainfall over Konkan and Goa during the week.

She added that isolated heavy rainfall is likely over Konkan and Goa and central Maharashtra from September 25-27.

(With inputs from agencies.)