Mumbai hit by worst rains since 2005, at least 27 people killed, India

Exceptionally heavy monsoon rains paralyzed Mumbai overnight July 2, 2019, leaving at least 27 people dead. Heavy rains will continue affecting the city at least through July 5. Residents are advised to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary to leave.

Incessant rains wreaked havoc on Mumbai on July 2, 2019, forcing authorities to declare a public holiday. While schools and colleges will remain closed, many private companies let their employees leave early or offered to work from home.

At least 18 people were killed and 6 others injured when a wall fell down early July 2, 2019, in the Malad area of Mumbai (slums). Two other people died in Malad when after they drove into a flooded underpass. The death toll rose to 27 by afternoon and will probably continue rising.

In 24 hours to 08:00 LT, July 2, the Santacruz weather station, representative of Mumbai suburbs, recorded 375.2 mm (14.7 inches) of rain, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

This is the highest July rain in a single day the city has received in a decade and also the second heaviest 24-hour period in the month of July, after a massive deluge on July 26, 2005, caused by 944 mm (37.1 inches) of rain.

Services on Central and Western railway routes resume slowly amid heavy rainfall. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation answered about 1 000 calls made by the residents of Mumbai seeking assistance. 

Weather authorities warned Mumbaikars heavy rain will continue through at least July 5. Private weather agency Skymet said the city is at "serious risk of flooding" with "close to 200 mm (7.8 inches) or more rain per day likely during this period."

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has advised people to stay indoors unless there is an emergency.

Vicky Parmar

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