Thu Sep 26 13:54:23 UTC 2024: ## Mumbai Reels Under Torrential Rains, Four Dead in MMR
**Mumbai, September 26, 2024:** The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) was battered by heavy rainfall on Wednesday, leading to at least four deaths and significant disruptions to transportation and daily life.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Mumbai, warning of heavy rainfall, and a red alert for Palghar district. Private forecasters ‘Mumbai Nowcast’ and ‘Mumbai Rains’ also issued red alerts for Mumbai and Thane.
The torrential rains caused severe waterlogging across Mumbai, Thane, and Pune. The Western Express Highway, a vital route in Mumbai’s western suburbs, was submerged, a situation not seen since the massive rains of July 26, 2005. The city’s local train services were significantly impacted, with some routes halted, causing major inconvenience for commuters.
A 45-year-old woman, Vimal Gaikwad, drowned in an open drain in Andheri’s MIDC area. Another woman, Swapnali Kshirsagar, lost her life after being swept away by the strong currents in a waterfall in Raigad district. Three others succumbed to lightning strikes in Thane district.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared Thursday a holiday for all schools and colleges in the city. At least 16 aircrafts were diverted from Mumbai airport due to the heavy downpour.
The heavy rains sparked criticism from opposition leaders. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray accused the Eknath Shinde-led government of failing to provide adequate relief mechanisms for citizens during the crisis. NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule also voiced concern about the state government’s preparedness.
The IMD has forecasted that the monsoon in Maharashtra is expected to withdraw by October 5. Meanwhile, Mumbai Nowcast and Mumbai Rains, independent weather enthusiasts on social media, have been providing real-time updates and warnings on the changing weather conditions.
The BMC has ordered a high-level inquiry into the death of the woman who drowned in Andheri. Despite the heavy rains, local train services and vehicular traffic resumed on Thursday morning.
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