Mumbai: IMD issues red alert as incessant rains cause traffic congestion, waterlogging in some areas

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) used pumps to remove water at Marine Lines and some other places. Waterlogging was witnessed on tracks between Marine Lines and Churchgate stations, however the western railway assured that the train services was not affected, according to PTI.

The India Meteorological Department's (IMD) Mumbai centre issued a red alert for Mumbai and Raigad district on Thursday, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places, informed a civic official.

Mumbai’s island city received the highest average rainfall of 50.87 mm from 8 am to 1 pm on Thursday. While eastern and western suburbs received an average rainfall of 32.13 mm and 23.55 mm, respectively, as per PTI.

For neighbouring districts of Thane and Palghar, the IMD has issued an orange alert, with a prediction of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places, the official said.

For Friday, July 28, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai, predicting heavy rainfall at isolated places, the official added.

The civic body, citing incessant rainfall in Mumbai, had declared a holiday for all government and private schools and colleges on Thursday. On Wednesday night, Mumbai civic commissioner and administrator Iqbal Singh Chahal said, “The BMC requests all citizens to stay alert, remain indoors and kindly follow instructions from the administration.”

The Colaba observatory recorded extremely heavy rainfall at 223.2 mm in the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 am on Thursday. While the Santacruz observatory recorded 145.1 mm rainfall during the same period, according to the IMD Mumbai.