Mumbai Rain: IMD Forecast Heavy Rainfall, 5 Killed; Rescue Operation Underway

Heavy rain has again disrupted the normal life in the city of Mumbai with multiple areas under water and train services off the track. As of now, in the financial capital of India, five people have lost their lives due to the torrential rain.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on August 5 forecast intermittent rain with heavy to very heavy rainfalls in Mumbai and its suburbs. Schools and colleges in several districts of Maharashtra have been shut down following the IMD’s warning.

People Killed

Around five people were killed in the city due to rain-related incidents in Mumbai, Pune and Palghar districts. A 52-year-old woman and her 26-year-old son died after suffering an electric shock from a safety door in their water-logged house in suburban Santacruz. A man has been reported missing after he fell into a swollen nullah in Dharavi in Central Mumbai. In Lonavala, A 10-year-old boy died, and his younger sister injured after a wall of their residence collapsed. In Goregaon, around four people were injured after a part of a hill collapsed on houses.

Schools, Colleges Closed

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on August 4 ordered that all private and public schools and colleges be shut on Monday. The BMC on Twitter wrote, “ Some government offices providing emergency and essential services will remain open, Private office staff may move out only if essential.” BMC further gave time to all government and semi-government employees in Mumbai Metropolitan Area (MMR) Region to report late to their duties.

All private and public schools and colleges will remain shut tomorrow . Some government offices providing emergency & essential services will remain open. Private office staff may move out only if essential #MCGMUpdates #MumbaiRainsLiveUpdates

— माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) August 4, 2019

Evacuation

BMC worker evacuated a minimum of around 400 people dwelling on the banks of Mithi river in Mumbai amid threats of their homes submerging under the water. People were shifted after the Mithi river crossed the danger mark following the heavy rains.

Indian Air Force was pressed to expedite the evacuation. IAF’s Mi 17 were roped in for two places in the state. In the first operation, around 58 people including 16 children stranded at Ju-Nandkhuri village in Khadvli area in Thane district were rescued from their water-logged residence. Maharashtra government has further sought for a minimum of six more teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for relief operation.

IAF rescued 58 villagers including 16 kids from the floods near Khadavli, Thane district with the help of chopper. All flown to safe place❤️ pic.twitter.com/Voc8KpVWIn

— Kanchan Srivastava (@Ms_Aflatoon) August 4, 2019

Traffic and Railways Hit

The city in the last 24 hours has received 100 mm rain, whereas suburbs such as Navi Mumbai, Thane got more than 250 mm downpour impeding the traffic movement in the city. Lack of proper drainage system at BA Road at Hindamata junction, Gandhi Market, Sion Circle, Kalanagar, Milan Subway, Matunga Circle, LBS Road, and Andheri has slowed down the traffic.

Central railways also took a hit due to the battering rain. The Centra Railways (CR) on August 4 said that around 14 trains have been cancelled, three diverted, and one rescheduled due to rain in the state. Railway services between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) -Thane and CSMT – Mankhurd were brought to halt due to water-filled tracks.

Flood Like Situation in Nashik

After the water from Gangapur dam were released into the Godavari river, a flood-like situation has developed in Nashik district. More than 20,000 cubic foot per second water was released into the Godavari river, flowing above the danger mark. Several temples on the Godavari Bank were submerged under the water. In the city of Pune, the district authorities have issued an advisory indicating that the situation can turn critical. The authorities have ordered college and schools to remain shut.

Also Read: Heavy Rainfall In Mumbai Kills 18, Disrupts Public Transport Services