Mumbai reels under relentless monsoon rains—schools shut, flights diverted, traffic jams, landslides and homes flooded. Alerts in force across the city.
In-Depth Explainer
Mumbai, Aug 18 (IST) — Mumbai is grappling with its third straight day of torrential rain, leaving urban life in disarray.
Weather Alerts & Forecasts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has escalated warnings—from orange to red alert—across Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar, signaling extreme rainfall conditions. The orange alert remains for Tuesday.
Schools & Public Life
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared a holiday for all schools and colleges, citing safety amid severe waterlogging.
Travel Chaos & Traffic Snarls
- Air travel stumbled: Nine flights aborted landings (referred to as “go-arounds”), and one was diverted entirely due to low visibility. Airlines like IndiGo and Akasa Air issued advisories urging passengers to allow extra commute time to and from the airport.The Times of India
- Roads turned into sluggish, waterlogged stretches. Key arteries like the Western Express Highway (Vile Parle) and Eastern Freeway stalled in heavy traffic. Areas like Andheri subway, Lokhandwala Complex, Chembur, and Shivaji Nagar reported intense, localized downpours—some recording over 65 mm in just one hour.The Times of India
Fatalities & Damage
A landslide in Vikhroli’s Parksite early Saturday killed two family members when their hut collapsed. Two others are critically injured and hospitalized. The area had previously received evacuation advisories for hillside residents.The Times of India
The BMC also reported six short circuits, 19 tree or branch falls, and two building staircases collapsing in areas like Chira Bazaar.
Situational Summary
| Category | Impact |
|---|---|
| Weather Alerts | IMD issues red alert; orange alert for coming days |
| Education | All schools and colleges shut for safety |
| Air Travel | Flights diverted or aborted; travel advisories issued |
| Road & Rail Transport | Waterlogged roads; snarled traffic; suburban trains delayed |
| Safety & Infrastructure | Landslide fatalities; structural collapses; electrical hazards |
Mumbai’s infrastructure and communities are being tested under unrelenting monsoon fury. The situation underscores how even a short string of wet days can overwhelm the city—raising urgent questions about flood preparedness, climate adaptation, and urban planning resilience.
