SpiceJet, Air India, and IndiGo announced potential flight disruptions, and local trains are operating at reduced speeds due to low visibility.
Due to the heavy rains, Vehar Lake, one of the seven lakes supplying water to Mumbai, began overflowing on Thursday morning. Furthermore, news agency ANI reported that the Andheri subway has been closed for vehicular traffic because of waterlogging.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘red alert’ for Mumbai and the neighbouring districts of Thane and Raigad, predicting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas till tomorrow morning. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated that preparations are in place for potential airlifting operations and urged residents to cooperate with authorities and move to safer locations. He stated “Work is being done to open the Andheri subway which is closed right now. I appeal to Mumbaikars not to venture outside, if not required.” Additionally, SpiceJet, Air India, and IndiGo announced potential flight disruptions, and local trains are operating at reduced speeds due to low visibility and high winds.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has sent three teams to assist in rescue efforts in the Varje, Sinhgad Road, and Ekta Nagar districts.
The water level rose after the rain, submerging the Baba Bhide bridge over the Mutha River, and prompting an alert for the residents. Khadakwasla dam has reached its full capacity due to heavy rainfall.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has instructed officers to notify the Indian Air Force and Army in case of flooding in Pune or other areas. He said that Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is now coordinating with officers while camping in Mantralaya, according to Hindustan Times.
Several areas, such as Sion, Chembur, and Andheri, have been flooded and two out of the seven lakes that supply water to the city, are overflowing, reported NDTV.
Vehicle movement through the Andheri subway has been stopped due to flooding.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said that Tansa Lake, Tulsi Lake, Modak-Sagar Lake and Vihar Lake, four of the seven lakes that supply water to the city, started overflowing today. The civic body has announced a 10 per cent cut in Mumbai’s water supply as a result, as per CNBC-TV18.
A crocodile has been spotted in the Mithi River near the business hub of Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) here, a forest official said on Wednesday, adding that people should not panic.
According to a Mumbai Forest Department officer, Atul Kamble of the Wildlife Animal Protection and Rescue Association (RAWW) visited the area on Tuesday and notified the forest control centre.
Besides rainfall, there is a strong possibility of gusty winds reaching speeds of 50-60 kmph. According to the weather department, temperatures are expected to range between a maximum of 29 degrees Celsius and a minimum of about 24 degrees Celsius.
As the monsoon fury grips various parts of India, the India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Maharashtra, anticipating heavy downpours.
Several cities like Pune and Mumbai, among others, face a grim situation as the state reels under severe flooding, already claiming four lives in rain-related incidents on Thursday.
On Wednesday, Palghar, Thane, and Kalyan had heavy to extremely heavy rain. Mulund, Thane, and other areas of Kalyan were flooded. The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) had asked residents to stay indoors on Wednesday if at all possible.