Mumbai, India’s financial hub, came to a standstill due to heavy rains, and the situation worsened on Tuesday, July 9, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a “red” alert. This warning led to the closure of schools and colleges in Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Panvel, and the rural areas of Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg.
The relentless rain continued, matching the previous day’s downpour, disrupting flight operations and suburban train services. Residents faced flooded streets and heavy traffic. Some parts of Mumbai received over 300 mm of rain in just six hours ending at 7 am, causing severe waterlogging in roads and low-lying areas.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced late Monday that all civic, government, and private schools and colleges would be closed as a precaution due to the heavy rainfall warning from the IMD.
To ensure the safety of students, all Tuesday exams at Mumbai University were postponed. Pooja Roudale, director of the examination and evaluation board, said new dates would be announced soon.
With expectations of heavy to extremely heavy rain on Tuesday, the IMD issued a red alert for Mumbai. BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagarani advised the public to stay indoors unless necessary. “All BMC disaster management teams are on high alert. Don’t panic and call 1916 for any assistance,” said the BMC. The IMD expects heavy rainfall at isolated places in Mumbai until July 12.
Travel Advisory
The Mumbai division of Central Railways advised passengers to avoid traveling unless necessary. “Due to heavy rain forecast for Mumbai & Thane Districts, passengers are advised to avoid travel unless unavoidable,” it stated.
Transport Disruptions
Despite high-capacity pumps in low-lying areas, waterlogging severely disrupted Central Railway services. Local trains halted for hours, and out-of-station trains heading to Mumbai were stranded.
Central Railway’s harbour line services, which resumed earlier in the day, were suspended again Monday night due to waterlogging on the tracks.
Heavy rain reduced visibility at Mumbai airport, severely impacting flight operations. About 50 flights were canceled, and the runway was closed for over an hour. Of the 50 canceled flights, 42 were operated by IndiGo and six by Air India.
