News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/22nd July 2024
Mumbai has been hit hard by relentless rainfall, causing significant disruptions across the city. The monsoon showers, which have been continuous for five days, have led to severe waterlogging in numerous areas, crippling public transport and paralyzing daily life. On Monday, the weather department issued ‘yellow’ alerts for Mumbai and nearby regions due to the ongoing downpour, which has shown no signs of abating.
The intensity of the rainfall in Mumbai has been notable, with the city’s infrastructure struggling to cope with the massive volumes of water. Reports indicate that the rain, which has persisted through the weekend, has resulted in widespread waterlogging, particularly in low-lying areas. This has disrupted normalcy, with traffic severely affected and public services struggling to maintain operations.
The meteorological department has also extended warnings to surrounding regions. In the wake of the ongoing weather pattern, ‘orange’ and ‘yellow’ alerts have been issued for several areas, including Nagpur, Wardha, Chandrapur, and Amravati. These alerts warn of possible thunderstorms and lightning, with forecasts predicting further rainfall. The regional meteorological center reported that Nagpur received 43 mm of rain in just 24 hours, underscoring the widespread impact of the monsoon.
The situation in Vidarbha has also been dire, with more than 700 houses damaged due to the heavy rains. The incessant downpours have led to the opening of seven gates of the Irai Dam in Chandrapur, a measure taken to manage the surging water levels. The damage in Chandrapur has particularly affected rural areas, with extensive reports of property loss and infrastructure damage.
In response to the escalating weather conditions, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued advisories about a high tide expected to reach 4.59 meters. This adds to the already challenging conditions in Mumbai, where heavy rainfall has inundated roads and created hazardous conditions for commuters. The BMC has also warned residents of the potential for further severe weather and advised them to avoid unnecessary travel.
The impact on public transportation has been significant. The Central Railway has had to reschedule several trains, including the BSBS SF Express and the LTT-MAU Express, due to the waterlogged tracks and disrupted schedules. The frequent cancellations and delays have compounded the difficulties faced by commuters in and around Mumbai.
Additionally, flights have not been spared from the disruptions. On Sunday, 36 flights were canceled at Mumbai Airport due to the severe weather conditions, affecting travel plans for many passengers. Airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara, had to adjust their schedules, causing further inconvenience.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been actively engaged in monitoring the situation, with teams deployed across various locations to assist in emergency responses and manage the impact of the floods. The NDRF’s presence highlights the severity of the situation and the ongoing efforts to mitigate the damage caused by the heavy rains.
As Mumbai continues to grapple with the consequences of the monsoon, the city remains under heightened alert. Residents are urged to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary and to stay informed through official advisories and updates.
