Thu Sep 26 08:15:19 UTC 2024: ## Mumbai Batters by Heavy Rains, One Woman Drowns in Open Drain
**Mumbai, September 26, 2024:** Mumbai and surrounding areas are grappling with heavy rainfall, leading to widespread disruptions and tragically, the death of at least four people. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad, warning of “heavy to very heavy rainfall.”
The city witnessed five hours of intense downpour on Wednesday, causing severe waterlogging in low-lying areas and leading to the tragic death of a 45-year-old woman, Vimal Gaikwad, who drowned in an open drain in Andheri’s MIDC area. The incident has prompted the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to launch a high-level inquiry into the death.
Schools and colleges across Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad remain closed due to the heavy rains. The BMC urges citizens to avoid stepping out unless absolutely necessary.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Pune has been cancelled due to the heavy rain situation in the city.
Despite the rain, local train services have resumed on Thursday, although some delays are expected. The Mithi River, along with other water bodies and drains, overflowed due to the downpour.
While the IMD issued a red alert for Mumbai, private forecasters, ‘Mumbai Nowcast’ and ‘Mumbai Rains’, issued red alerts for Mumbai and Thane. These independent weather enthusiasts have gained significant popularity among Mumbaikars for providing timely updates on social media.
The heavy rains caused widespread disruption to transport services, with 16 aircraft diverted from Mumbai airport on Wednesday evening.
As the city recovers from the deluge, authorities remain on high alert, with 18 NDRF and 6 SDRF teams deployed across Maharashtra to handle any contingencies.
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