Mumbai paralyzed after receiving 300 mm (11.8 inches) of rainfall in just 6 hours

Mumbai experienced severe disruptions on Monday, July 8, 2024, due to heavy rains, with a downpour of 300 mm (11.8 inches) in just six hours. The extreme waterlogging delayed several flights, trains, and buses, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a Red alert for the city. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared a holiday for schools and colleges in response to the weather conditions.

Parts of Mumbai received 300 mm (11.8 inches) of rain between 01:00 and 07:00 LT on July 8, prompting the IMD to issue a Red alert and urge citizens to not go out unless necessary.

There was heavy traffic on the roads, and rail lines were affected, according to Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

Significant waterlogging submerged roads near King’s Circle in Dadar, causing traffic jams. Buntara Bhavan in Kurla East and Powai also experienced substantial waterlogging, forcing bus diversions and leading to delays and congestion for commuters.

Public transport and airlines were severely disrupted, with several flights delayed and trains running late due to flooding.

Mumbai commuters had to wade through knee-deep water, which partially submerged vehicles in many areas, while traffic clogged the city’s Eastern and Western Express highways. Water on the tracks forced railway authorities to cancel some long-distance trains.

Television images showed suburban passenger trains halted on inundated lines, with some commuters walking on tracks to reach their destinations. High-capacity water pumps were used to drain water from the tracks to ensure a smoother commute.

The BMC declared a holiday for schools and colleges to prioritize student safety during this extreme weather scenario.

The IMD has predicted more rain for the city over the week.

Fairly widespread to widespread light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, is expected over Konkan and Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Kerala and Mahe, Lakshadweep, and Coastal Karnataka. Scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall is likely over Marathwada, Gujarat Region, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Yanam, Telangana, and Interior Karnataka.

Across Maharashtra, the IMD forecasts widespread rain with thunderstorms and lightning for the next five days.

References:

¹ Mumbai Rains: Heavy Showers to Continue Lashing City; IMD Warns of Flash Flood Risks – TWC – July 8, 2024

² Heavy rains in India’s Mumbai impact transport, shut schools – Reuters – July 8, 2024

³ Mumbai rains: City drowned in 300 mm rain in 6 hours. Mumbaikars share visuals of flood-like situation- ET – July 8, 2024

Rishav Kothari

I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

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