The city continued to battle another spell of heavy monsoon showers, with intense rain lashing Andheri, Ghatkopar, Navi Mumbai, and South Mumbai. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Mumbai till August 19, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall. Pune remains under a red alert for extremely heavy showers.
According to officials, multiple rain bands forming over the sea are striking the coast, causing uninterrupted downpours through the night. Local trains, considered Mumbai’s lifeline, are still operational but facing delays due to waterlogging in low-lying areas.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has ordered the closure of all government and private schools, colleges, and educational institutions for the second half of the day. Residents have been advised to avoid non-essential travel as a precaution.
Water levels in Mumbai’s seven lakes, which supply drinking water to the city, have reached 90% capacity. The BMC has also cautioned people against visiting the shoreline, with a high tide of 3.75 metres expected at 9:16 am on August 19, coinciding with heavy rain.
At Mumbai airport, at least nine flights were forced into go-arounds due to poor visibility, while one was diverted to Surat. Although cancellations have not been reported, delays are expected if the downpour continues.
Several areas, including Dadar and Powai, reported severe flooding, with overflowing drains worsening traffic snarls. The IMD attributed the relentless rain to a deepening depression over the Bay of Bengal, expected to bring more heavy rainfall to Mumbai and adjoining regions until August 20.