The India Meteorological Department (IMD) upgraded its orange alert for Mumbai and surrounding areas to a red alert, signifying a high probability of heavy rainfall. The red alert was in effect until 8:30 am on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
Heavy rains pounded Mumbai on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, leading to significant disruptions. Low-lying areas were inundated with floodwaters, local train services were suspended, and at least 14 incoming flights were diverted. Several areas recorded over 100 mm of rain in just five hours during the evening, transforming roads into fast-flowing rivers.
The heavy downpour caused significant challenges for commuters. Local trains were halted between Kurla and Thane stations on the Central line, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and other stations. Traffic jams were widespread throughout the city.
The IMD’s red alert indicated the potential for extremely heavy rainfall in Mumbai and neighboring districts. This prompted authorities to take precautionary measures, including school and college closures for Thursday, September 26, 2024.
Long-distance train schedules were also affected by the heavy rains. Central Railways announced the rescheduling of nine long-distance trains. The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus service experienced disruptions at various locations due to heavy rainfall, waterlogging, and traffic congestion.
A woman tragically drowned in a nullah overflowing due to the heavy rains in suburban Andheri on Wednesday evening. The incident highlighted the dangers posed by the intense downpour.
Local train services were severely impacted, with the first train departing from Kurla moving at a very slow pace. The heavy rainfall led to waterlogging on railway tracks, particularly in Kurla, causing the suspension of train services between Thane and Mumbai.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) urged residents to avoid leaving their homes unless necessary and provided an emergency contact number for assistance and official information. Two flights were diverted from Mumbai Airport due to the severe weather, and seven other flights experienced go-arounds before landing.
The heavy rainfall also affected Pune, where the Sir Parshuram College Ground, the scheduled venue for a Prime Minister Narendra Modi rally, experienced waterlogging. Traffic was severely disrupted throughout Mumbai, with major roads like the Western and Eastern Express Highways experiencing slowdowns and the Andheri Subway closed due to waterlogging.
The IMD issued an updated forecast for September 26, placing Palghar on red alert, Raigad, Mumbai, and Thane on orange alert, and Ratnagiri on yellow alert. This indicated that heavy rainfall and potential disruptions were likely to continue in the region.
