The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Mumbai today. Over the past twenty-four hours, the city has experienced a considerable 225 mm of rainfall, leading to an orange alert for tomorrow and a yellow alert for the day after. The Colaba region recorded 106 mm of rainfall, while Sanctacruz region received a total of 119.9 mm during the same period. In its five-day forecast, IMD predicts more heavy rainfall in certain areas of Mumbai on Wednesday.
Commuters Struggle Amidst Downpour
The incessant rains have posed challenges for Mumbai’s transportation system, particularly the suburban services of the Central Railway. During the busy morning hours, an express train engine malfunctioned, exacerbating the disruptions caused by the heavy rainfall.
Numerous commuters faced delays in the local train services due to the heavy downpour. Reports indicate that Central Railway’s suburban services were delayed by 10-15 minutes. However, authorities reported no major waterlogging incidents till morning, and road traffic, albeit slow, continued to flow.
Adding to the transportation woes, the Gorakhpur-LTT Superfast Express encountered technical issues as its engine malfunctioned at Atgaon station in Thane district. A relief engine was promptly arranged for the train, and other trains on the route were diverted via a loop line to mitigate disruptions.
On a positive note, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus services operated without any reported route diversions or disruptions due to the rainfall, as confirmed by civic officials. This provided a much-needed respite for many commuters during the challenging weather conditions.
IMD’s Latest Forecast
According to the latest update from the IMD, the weather agency has issued a ‘heavy rainfall alert’ for both the city and its suburbs. There are possibilities of very heavy rainfall in isolated places within the next 24 hours, followed by an orange alert on the 19th and 20th for Thane and Mumbai. The alert level is expected to be downgraded to yellow tomorrow, indicating less severe but still significant rainfall.
As Mumbai prepares for another day of heavy rainfall, the IMD’s alerts offer vital information to help residents and commuters prepare for potential disruptions. The city continues to grapple with the challenges brought on by the monsoon, but the dedicated efforts of transportation authorities ensure the safety and convenience of all passengers.