Mumbai Rains: IMD Issues Red Alert, Extreme Heavy Rainfall From July 4-6; School Holiday Declared Today

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued the monsoon season's first "RED Alert" for Mumbai for the weekend. Red alert is also issued for Thane, Raigad and Palghar districts. Extreme heavy to very heavy rains are expected to lash Mumbai and other regions from July 4th to July 6th, and accordingly, Maharashtra chief minister, Devandra Fadnavis has urged citizens to remain vigilant and cautious during this period. Furthermore, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has alerted Mumbaikars to use helpline numbers in any emergency. Following the red alert, many schools have declared a holiday on Saturday.

Mumbai Rains Today

Heavy rains have gripped Mumbai throughout the week, triggering waterlogging, flood-like situations, dozens of trees collapsing and disruption to commuters who faced intense traffic on roads and delays in the local train network.

Latest data revealed that in Mumbai, several areas recorded over 70 mm of rainfall during the afternoon of July 3rd alone. Supari Tank Municipal School in Bandra recorded the highest rainfall of 73.8 mm, followed by Prabhadevi with 72.2 mm of rainfall, while Bandra West and Panvel posted 70.8 mm and 69.4 mm of rainfall.

On the other hand, in major relief, the heavy downpour drove water stocks in seven lakes to rapidly rise. On July 3rd, it was reported that the water stock of seven lakes which are major suppliers of Mumbai's portable water, reached 1.29 lakh million litres, or 8.93% of the total capacity.

From July 2nd to 3rd, the heaviest rain was seen at Tulsi Lake, which recorded 164 mm of rainfall, followed by Vihar Lake, which registered 137 mm of rainfall.

Rain is expected to intensify further on Saturday and likely to continue till Monday.

Mumbai Red Alert

IMD has issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane and Palghar districts from July 4th to July 6th, while the red alert in Raigad district will stay till Sunday morning.

Keeping in mind the red alert, BMC asked citizens to remain vigilant. It said, "Additionally, strictly follow the instructions issued from time to time by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and Mumbai Police."

In the event of an emergency situation, immediately contact the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's helpline number 1916 for assistance.

Furthermore, CM Fadnavis said, "A forecast of heavy rainfall has been issued for Mumbai city along with the districts of Raigad, Thane, Palghar, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg from July 4 to 6."

The CM added that there is also a possibility of moderate to heavy rainfall in the ghat areas of Satara, Pune, and Nashik districts in central Maharashtra during this period.

"Disruptions in local travel and some structural damage cannot be ruled out during this time," Fadnavis said,

Accordingly, Fadnavis added, "Citizens should remain vigilant during this period. Extra caution is essential, especially when traveling in low-lying areas and on ghat roads. In emergency situations, contact local emergency numbers, as urged by the state's disaster management department."

Mumbai Rains: Helpline Numbers

- Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Helpline Number - 1916

- Palghar Helpline Number - 02525 297474, [phone]

- Thane Municipal Corporation Helpline Number - 022-25364779, 0222530 1740, 91 93723 38827

- Thane, Disaster Management Cell - 1800-222-108/8657887101

- Panvel Municipal Corporation Helpline Number - 02227458040/41/42

Mumbai Rains: School Holiday On July 4

Due to the Red alert, schools and colleges are declared to be closed in Thane, Navi Mumbai, on Saturday, July 4th. A similar direction is issued for schools and colleges in Kalyan-Dombivli.

However, authorities in Mumbai city are yet to declare a holiday for schools and colleges. It needs to be noted that schools in Mumbai are generally closed during the weekend. However, some colleges do operate on Saturday, but the majority are closed.