Large parts of Maharashtra continue to reel under the impact of relentless monsoon rains, with Mumbai and the Konkan region witnessing widespread flooding, landslides, building collapses and major disruption to road, rail and air transport. Authorities across the state remain on high alert as heavy rainfall is expected to continue through the day.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for Mumbai, Thane and Raigad forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has advised to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary, avoid beaches, waterlogged areas, trees, dilapidated buildings, hoardings and electric poles, and refrain from parking vehicles under trees. The civic body has urged residents to rely only on official advisories and contact its emergency helpline 1916 in case of any emergency.
As a precautionary measure, the Maharashtra government has ordered the closure of all government, municipal and private schools and colleges today across the coastal districts, including Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, as well as Pune.
Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds has continued to lash Mumbai since yesterday night, resulting in waterlogging in several low-lying areas and slowing vehicular movement across the city. Suburban train services on the Central, Western and Harbour Railway networks continue to operate with minor delays. Flight operations at Mumbai Airport have also witnessed delays because of poor visibility and adverse weather conditions.
Traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway has also been affected following a landslide in the Karjat-Lonavala section. While vehicular movement from Mumbai towards Pune through the Missing Link has been restored, traffic from Pune towards Mumbai via the Missing Link remains suspended. Vehicles travelling towards Mumbai are being diverted through the old Mumbai-Pune National Highway (NH-48), and motorists have been advised to cooperate with authorities and avoid unnecessary travel.
Heavy rains have also resulted in tragic incidents of structural collapse. Separate building collapse incidents in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai have claimed lives and left several others injured. Rescue operations involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire brigade and local authorities are continuing at the affected sites. Multiple incidents of tree falls and wall collapses have also been reported across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
The situation remains particularly critical in Raigad district, which has been witnessing torrential rainfall for the past five days. The Amba, Kundalika, Savitri and Patalganga rivers are all flowing above the danger mark, inundating residential areas and prompting rescue and evacuation operations in several parts of the district.
Heavy rainfall has also triggered multiple landslides across the Konkan region. A major landslide near Kashedi on the Mumbai-Goa National Highway has disrupted traffic towards Goa. Teams from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) are clearing debris and working to restore traffic. As part of the landslide reached the vicinity of nearby houses, residents from the affected area have been shifted to safer locations as a precaution.
The Varandha Ghat road has been closed after multiple landslides occurred between Warwand and Umbarde following overnight heavy rainfall. Debris from several landslides has blocked the roadway, and clearance operations are currently underway.
In Raigad district’s Mandangad taluka, barges that drifted from Mahad due to strong river currents have become lodged near the Mhapral-Ambet Bridge, raising concerns over the bridge’s safety. As a precaution, traffic on the Mandangad-Mhapral-Goregaon-Mangaon route has been temporarily suspended while officials from the Police Department, Revenue Department, Public Works Department and the Zilla Parishad carry out emergency measures.
Floodwaters have also disrupted traffic on the Pen-Khopoli main road. In Sudhagad taluka, rescue teams successfully evacuated 12 workers who had become stranded near the Amba River at Kansal village.
Authorities have appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from flooded roads, rivers, landslide-prone areas and the coastline, and strictly follow all advisories issued by the IMD, district administrations and local authorities. In the event of floods, landslides, road closures or any other emergency, citizens have been urged to immediately contact the concerned authorities and emergency services.
With heavy rainfall expected to continue across Mumbai and Coastal Maharashtra over the next 24 hours, administartion have urged residents to remain vigilant, exercise caution and cooperate with emergency agencies until weather conditions improve.
