Extreme rainfall paralyzes Mumbai, leaving three dead and two missing

Extremely heavy monsoon rainfall affected Mumbai, India from August 16 to 19, 2025, leaving at least 3 people dead and 2 missing due to electrocution, building collapse, and flood-related incidents. The flooding caused widespread infrastructure paralysis, waterlogging, and forced mass-scale pumping operations.

Over 500 mm (19.7 inches) of rain fell across the city in four days, including 300 mm (11.8 inches) in just 24 hours, representing more than 37 % of the average August rainfall.

Localized rainfall peaks included 139.5 mm (5.5 inches) in Vikhroli, 129.1 mm (5.1 inches) in Santacruz, 128.5 mm (5.1 inches) in Juhu, and 125 mm (4.9 inches) in Chembur, measured between 08:30 and 20:30 LT. Widespread waterlogging affected major urban sectors including Dadar, Matunga, Andheri, Goregaon, Wadala, Chembur, Byculla, and Kalyan.

Local train operations were suspended due to submerged tracks, a stalled commuter train, and waist-deep water. Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport reported multiple delays and diversions.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) deployed emergency response infrastructure at scale. Between August 16 and 19, six major pumping stations collectively extracted over 16 451.55 million liters (4.35 billion gallons) of rainwater from submerged streets, more than twice the storage capacity of Tansa Lake, which holds 8 046 million liters (2.13 billion gallons).

In addition to these, 540 smaller pumping units were deployed in low-lying zones. In a six-hour window on August 19, these stations removed an additional 1 825 million liters (482 million gallons) of water.

The water level of the Mithi River reached the danger mark at Kranti Nagar, Kurla Bridge, prompting the deployment of a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team. Nearby residents were alerted as a precautionary measure.

At least two fatalities were reported within Mumbai: one due to electrocution in Kanjurmarg and another from a compound wall collapse at Napean Sea Road. Separate incidents accounted for an additional death in a house collapse, one person injured by a falling tree, and one person missing in Bandra West. Another individual was reported missing after being swept into the Mithi River.

A red alert remained in effect throughout the event. Schools and colleges were closed, and government offices operated remotely.

The rest of Maharashtra state also experienced flooding and casualties. As of August 19, at least seven people were confirmed dead and several others missing in affected districts including Nanded, Hingoli, Beed, and Marathwada. Multiple evacuations, infrastructure failures, and fatalities were reported.

References:

¹ Mumbai Rains, Weather Today LIVE Updates: Maharashtra reports 21 deaths due to rain between August 15-19 – Indian Express – August 19, 2025

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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