Mumbai woke up to a deluge on Friday morning as heavy rainfall lashed both urban and suburban areas. The downpour, which began overnight, continued unabated into the morning hours, bringing with it dark clouds and gusty winds that swept across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). In light of the severe weather, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Mumbai, forecasting heavy to very heavy rain in isolated areas.
The effects of the incessant rains were immediately visible across the city. Visuals of waterlogging at Terminal 2 of Mumbai Airport quickly surfaced online, showing vehicles struggling to navigate through the rainwater. Commuters faced significant challenges as they attempted to reach the airport amid the continuing downpour.
Chembur was one of the hardest-hit areas, with waterlogging reported in various parts of the neighborhood. Vehicles could be seen moving cautiously through the rainwater, which had accumulated on the roads, making travel difficult and hazardous.
Traffic on the Eastern Freeway near Wadala was notably slow-moving, particularly on the southbound arm, where a car breakdown exacerbated the congestion. The situation highlighted the vulnerability of Mumbai's infrastructure to such extreme weather conditions, with traffic disruptions becoming a common occurrence during heavy rains.
In Andheri, the subway had to be closed for vehicular movement due to severe waterlogging. This closure added to the travel woes of Mumbai's residents, who were already struggling with the impact of the relentless rainfall.
The IMD extended its orange alert to other districts in Maharashtra's Konkan region, including Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. These coastal districts are also expected to receive substantial rainfall today, prompting authorities and residents to brace for potential flooding and waterlogging.
As the city grapples with the immediate effects of the heavy rains, the focus remains on maintaining safety and minimizing disruptions. Emergency services are on high alert, and residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Key Highlights:
- Mumbai experienced heavy rainfall starting from Thursday night into Friday morning.
- IMD issued an orange alert for Mumbai, forecasting heavy to very heavy rain in isolated areas.
- Significant waterlogging reported at Terminal 2 of Mumbai Airport and various parts of Chembur.
- Traffic slowed on the Eastern Freeway near Wadala due to a car breakdown amid heavy rains.
- Andheri Subway closed for vehicular movement due to waterlogging.
- Orange alert extended to Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts.
