Mumbai Drenched, But Relief Ahead: Orange Alert in Place as Rain Begins to Ease

Mumbai continues to reel under the impact of relentless monsoon showers, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert for August 20. After 48 hours of intense downpour that flooded streets, disrupted transport, and triggered emergency rescues, the city is now bracing for a gradual decline in rainfall intensity starting Thursday.

Here’s a detailed snapshot of the situation:

1. Rainfall Records and Alert Status

- Mumbai has already recorded 954 mm of rainfall this August, making it the second-wettest August in the last decade, just behind 2020’s 1,240 mm  
- An orange alert remains in effect for Wednesday, indicating heavy rainfall at isolated locations  
- IMD forecasts suggest a reduction in rainfall intensity from Thursday, offering some respite to residents

2. Impact on Daily Life and Infrastructure

- On Tuesday, Mumbai received over 200 mm of rain in just 11 hours, leading to severe waterlogging across major roads including LBS Road between Kurla and Sion  
- Local train services on Central Railway’s main and harbour lines were disrupted due to submerged tracks  
- Flight operations were delayed, and several flights were diverted as runways and access roads were affected by flooding  
- The Mithi River swelled dangerously close to the 4-meter danger mark, prompting evacuations in low-lying areas like Kranti Nagar

3. School Closures and Public Advisory

- A viral message claiming school closures for August 20 was declared fake by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which clarified that no such directive was issued  
- Schools and colleges in Thane and Navi Mumbai, however, remain closed due to continued rainfall and safety concerns  
- Mumbai University postponed its August 19 exams to August 23, citing logistical challenges caused by the rain

4. Emergency Incidents and Rescue Operations

- Two overcrowded monorail trains were stranded between stations on Tuesday evening, leading to panic among passengers. Over 782 people were rescued after a three-hour operation by MMRDA and fire services  
- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reviewed the situation and praised the coordinated rescue efforts across affected zones

5. Regional Forecast and Extended Alerts

- While Mumbai remains under orange alert, Raigad and the ghat sections of Pune are under red alert for Wednesday due to expected extreme rainfall  
- Other districts including Thane, Palghar, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg also remain under orange alert  
- Central Maharashtra is expected to stay dry, while parts of Marathwada and Vidarbha may receive light to moderate showers

6. What to Expect Next

- Rainfall in Mumbai is likely to ease from Thursday and continue tapering off into the weekend  
- Commuters are advised to check train and flight schedules before traveling, and avoid venturing out unless necessary  
- Civic authorities continue to monitor water levels and drainage systems to prevent further flooding

Mumbai’s resilience is once again being tested by the monsoon, but with forecasts pointing to a break in the downpour, the city may soon find its rhythm again.

Sources: MSN India, The Hindu, India TV News, Financial Express, MSN India – Weather

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