Thu Sep 26 10:07:09 UTC 2024: ## Mumbai Batters by Heavy Rains, Red Alert Issued
Mumbai is bracing for more heavy rain after experiencing intense downpours on Wednesday that caused widespread disruption. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Thursday, predicting heavy rainfall across the city.
The city’s infrastructure was severely impacted by Wednesday’s deluge. Low-lying areas were inundated, local train services were halted in several areas, and roads became impassable. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced school and college closures on Thursday, urging residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
Traffic jams were reported across the city, especially on Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg in Kurla and Ghatkopar. Some areas received over 100 mm of rainfall in just five hours. Mankhurd in eastern suburbs received the highest amount at 276 mm, followed by 275 mm in Bhandup and 274 mm in Powai.
Flight operations at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were also affected, with 14 flights being diverted due to the heavy rain. Airlines have advised passengers to check their flight status and expect delays.
The IMD scientist, Sushma Nair, attributed the heavy rainfall to a trough running from north Konkan to south Bangladesh, coupled with a cyclonic circulation over south Chhattisgarh. She expects fairly widespread to widespread light/moderate rainfall over Konkan and Goa throughout the week.
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