Mumbai Floods: Four Dead and Flights Cancelled Amid Heavy Rains
- At least four people died due to rain-related incidents in Mumbai, including drownings and lightning strikes.
- Operations at the city's international airport were severely disrupted, with 36 flights cancelled and local train services heavily affected.
- Authorities issued a red alert, advising residents to stay indoors and close schools and colleges as a precaution.
Heavy rainfall in Mumbai led to severe flooding, resulting in at least four fatalities and significant disruptions to transportation. The Indian Meteorological Department reported that some areas received over 250mm of rain in just six hours, marking the highest single-day rainfall in September since 2020. The flooding prompted a red alert, with authorities advising residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Schools and colleges were closed as a precautionary measure. The impact on transportation was substantial, with operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport severely affected. At least 36 flights were cancelled, and many others were diverted due to the adverse weather conditions. Local train services, which are crucial for the daily commute of over 7 million people, faced significant disruptions, particularly between Kurla and Thane, where waterlogging stranded numerous passengers. The flooding also caused chaos at the city’s largest train station, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal, where a large crowd gathered amid confusion from cancellations and delays. Roads across various neighborhoods, including Andheri, Chembur, and Vikhroli, were inundated, further complicating the situation for commuters and residents. As the weather department forecasts more heavy rainfall in the coming days, the risk of flooding remains high. Mumbai's drainage system struggles to manage the volume of water during monsoon season, exacerbated by urban development encroaching on natural flood defenses like mangroves. This situation puts millions of residents at risk, highlighting the urgent need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness.