Mumbai Faces Flash Floods After Late Rainfall Warnings
- The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an Orange Alert for Mumbai, which was later upgraded to a Red Alert at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, as severe weather conditions began to develop.
- The late warning led to significant disruptions, including flash flooding and train service interruptions, stranding thousands of commuters for hours.
- Citizens expressed frustration over the delayed alerts and lack of preparedness, prompting authorities to close schools and colleges the following day.
In recent days, Maharashtra has experienced consistent rainfall as the monsoon season retreats. On September 24 and 25, the IMD issued an Orange Alert for Mumbai, indicating a high likelihood of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. However, as severe weather began to unfold on Wednesday, the IMD upgraded the alert to Red at 5:30 PM, signaling an extreme rainfall warning. Unfortunately, this upgrade came too late for many residents, as intense rainfall and thunderstorms had already begun around 5 PM. The sudden onset of severe weather caused flash flooding across the city, leading to significant waterlogging on roads and disruptions in train services. Thousands of office-goers found themselves stranded for hours, struggling to reach their homes amidst the chaos. Citizens voiced their anger and frustration over the delayed weather warnings, questioning the IMD's preparedness and response to the situation. In light of the disruptions and safety concerns, local authorities decided to close schools and colleges on Thursday to protect children from potential hazards. Many corporate offices also announced work-from-home arrangements for their employees. Despite the precautionary measures, the city experienced little to no rainfall the following day, further fueling public discontent regarding the IMD's handling of the situation. The incident highlights the critical need for timely and accurate weather warnings, especially in urban areas prone to flooding. As citizens continue to demand accountability from the IMD, the focus remains on improving communication and preparedness for future weather events.