Heavy Rainfall Expected in Mumbai and Surrounding Areas
Monsoon Activity on the Rise in Delhi
As Mumbai and various regions in Maharashtra brace for significant rainfall in the coming days, Delhi is anticipated to experience a gradual increase in monsoon activity after a relatively mild start. Officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) have forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall along with strong winds in Mumbai and its neighboring districts, while light rain, storms, and gusty winds are expected in the national capital over the weekend and into early next week.
Severe Rain Warning for Mumbai
From July 4 to July 6, heavy rainfall is predicted for Mumbai city and the districts of Raigad, Thane, Palghar, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. The weather department has also indicated that moderate to heavy rain may occur in the ghats of Satara, Pune, and Nashik districts in central Maharashtra. Authorities have warned that local travel could be disrupted during this period, potentially causing some structural damage. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, especially when traveling through low-lying areas and hilly routes. The state disaster management department has issued an advisory urging people to exercise caution and to contact local emergency helplines in case of any emergencies. They further noted that rainfall is expected to continue in Mumbai and surrounding areas for the next 24 hours, with some locations experiencing heavy to very heavy downpours.
Impact of Rainfall in Neighboring Districts
Heavy rainfall in the neighboring districts of Thane and Palghar has led to waterlogging in low-lying areas, affecting daily life and traffic. Between 8:30 AM and 1:30 PM, Thane recorded 65.79 mm of rain, bringing the season's total to 829.84 mm, while Palghar saw 97.70 mm, raising its seasonal total to 643.10 mm. Waterlogging occurred in several low-lying areas of Thane district, including Kalyan, Bhiwandi, Navi Mumbai, and Badlapur. In Kalwa, a fallen tree injured two motorists, and a tree in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, damaged a car; fortunately, there were no fatalities reported in either incident.
Emergency Services Deployed in Palghar
Emergency services have been deployed in Vasai, Palghar district, to assist residents trapped in flood-affected homes. Reports indicate significant traffic disruptions throughout the area. The Palghar-Boisar road was closed due to water accumulation on the Kolgaon bridge, and a fallen tree blocked the highway near Manor-Waghoba Ghat. Additionally, several internal routes, including the Safale-Tandulwadi road, Govade-Raipada road, and bridges connecting Shil and Deharje villages, have been closed due to severe waterlogging and river overflow.
Vehicle Falls into Pit Due to Road Collapse
In the Bhhandup West area of Mumbai, a section of the road collapsed on Saturday, causing a vehicle to fall into an excavation pit. This incident occurred around 1:25 PM when part of the road gave way, leading to nearby trees also falling. Authorities have cordoned off the affected area.
Rainfall Updates Across Mumbai
Recent rainfall updates from various areas in Mumbai on Saturday between 8:30 AM and 2:30 PM are as follows:
Chief Minister Urges Public to Follow Weather Advisories
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urged residents of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and Pune-Nashik areas on Saturday to strictly adhere to the official advisories from the weather department and to avoid unnecessary travel, as heavy rainfall with storms is expected until July 6. Speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister also mentioned that existing infrastructure, including the connecting link of the Pune-Mumbai Expressway, would be rectified for any deficiencies. He noted that the regional weather center of the IMD has predicted very heavy rainfall, storms, and significantly above-normal rainfall in the affected areas until July 6. Additionally, the state government is regularly issuing weather alerts and sending SMS updates to residents every three hours, along with providing advice through various channels.