Mumbai Grapples with Crippling Downpour, Leading to Urban Gridlock and Disruptions
A torrential downpour unleashed its fury upon Mumbai and its environs early Monday, unleashing widespread waterlogging that brought key roads and low-lying areas to a standstill. The city's normal rhythm was disrupted, leaving commuters stranded and residents struggling to navigate the inundated streets.
The relentless rain, which began at the stroke of midnight, intensified in the early hours, with the Mumbai civic authorities recording over 300 millimeters of rainfall in a mere six-hour span. Areas such as Andheri, Kurla, Bhandup, King's Circle, Vile Parle, and Dadar bore the brunt of the accumulation, with storm drains overwhelmed and traffic gridlocked. Vehicles were submerged in some locations, while pedestrians waded through knee-deep waters.
Air and Rail Traffic Disrupted
The heavy downpour had a significant impact on air and rail operations. Mumbai airport was forced to divert 27 flights to other cities due to poor visibility and runway flooding. Train services were also disrupted, with the Central Railway canceling several trains and halting local services momentarily until water receded from the tracks.
Schools Closed, Flights Diverted
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced a half-day holiday for schools and colleges under its jurisdiction, while the Mumbai airport advised travelers to plan their trips accordingly, anticipating potential flight delays and disruptions.
Traffic Carnage Grinds City to a Halt
Waterlogged roads and sheer volume overwhelmed Mumbai's arterial highways and key thoroughfares, resulting in severe traffic congestion during the morning rush hour. Visuals from the Western Expressway captured the extent of the gridlock, with long queues of vehicles inching along in frustration.
Civic Body Issues Urgent Advisory
Amidst the chaos, the BMC issued a stern advisory, urging citizens to stay indoors and minimize unnecessary travel. Emergency services were put on high alert, with residents advised to call 1916 in case of immediate assistance.
Weather Outlook Remains Bleak
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast the continuation of heavy rainfall in the coming hours, with generally cloudy skies expected over the city and its suburbs. The BMC appealed to residents to remain cautious and to avoid stepping out unless absolutely necessary.
High Tide Warning Issued
Weather authorities raised a high tide warning, predicting a surge of 4.2 meters around 2 pm, further amplifying the challenges faced by the city. Response teams were deployed to critical areas to mitigate the impact of the high water levels.
A City Under Siege
As the day progressed, Mumbai remained under the grip of the relentless rainfall, its infrastructure strained and its residents inconvenienced. The city's spirit of resilience was tested once again as it grappled with the aftermath of the torrential deluge.
