Heavy rains pummelled Mumbai and its suburbs in which two persons died of electrocution and bringing normal life to a grinding halt on Friday with several areas waterlogged and local train services cancelled leaving thousands of commuters stranded.
As civic authorities described the rainfall in the country's financial capital as "unprecedented", they said 283 mm of rain, which is normally received in 10 days, was witnessed in just 24 hours. Mithi river is around the danger mark, according to Yuva Sena Chief Aditya Thackeray.
Educational institutions were shut and government and private offices reported thin attendance. The Bombay High Court and other courts were also shut. "The city has witnessed unprecedented rainfall in the last 24 hours, more than that the city usually receives in 10 days. Mumbai witnessed 283 mm of rain in 24 hours," the city's Municipal Commissioner Ajoy Mehta told reporters.
"Of the total annual average rainfall Mumbai witnesses, 10 percent of it has been received in 24 hours, which usually takes 10 days," he added. There seems to be no let up in the situation with the Meteorological Department predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours.
According to an official of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) disaster management unit, a five-year-old boy and a 60-year-old woman died of electrocution in Wadala in central Mumbai. The airport was operational but flight operations at the city airport were delayed by up to 45 minutes and three services had to be diverted due to incessant rain that has been lashing the financial capital since late Thursday evening.
There was also massive disruption of vehicular traffic with waist-high waterlogging being reported in several ares. The rainwater also entered several homes. Mehta said Fridays high tide witnessed in the city was of more than 3 metres high and Mumbai is likely to witness high tides of more than 4 metres, one at about 2 AM and another at about 3:10 PM on Saturday.
"Since there is heavy rainfall along with a high tide expected tomorrow, people should stay away from the seas and ensure that they do not walk on the promenade. Also, before leaving their homes, people should make sure that the route they plan to take is safe for travel," he said. The rains caused water-logging in almost all low-lying areas of Mumbai and its suburbs including Kurla, Chembur, Tilak Nagar, Andheri, Parel, Lower Parel, Thane, Navi Mumbai and Dombivili.
The heavy rains also forced Shiv Sena to cancel its foundation day event. While Central Railway services still remain cancelled, the Western Railway has partially resumed services on a limited stretch between Andheri and Virar.
Thousands of commuters leaving for offices were caught unaware on reaching the suburban railway stations as trains were being cancelled due to water-logging of tracks following heavy downpour since last night.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appealed to people to venture out only if required and asked them to stay away from seafronts during high tide slots as it can prove "fatal".
After taking stock of the situation at BMC disaster management cell, he also suggested to the public to refer to advisories being issued by the civic body on an hourly-basis before leaving home. Narrating his ordeal, Nalasopara resident Atul Panday, an executive working with Alkem Laboratories said, "Normally, it takes me 50 minutes to reach Andheri from Nalasopara, but today it took around two hours."
Mumbai electricity board has taken into account public safety and shut down power supply to several parts of the city where water logging poses danger to human life. Parts of Mumbai could face more wate logging as high tide sets in at 2 pm today leaving little scope for flood water to drain into the sea.
The Chief Justice of Bombay HC declared a holiday which applies only to the High Court and not the rest of Mumbai. Several private firms too have allowed employees to work from home.
Latest Update. Mumbai have got 350mm rains in last 30 hours. Another 250mm rains expected in next 48 hours. pic.twitter.com/BvHzCiqZaE
— MumbaiWeather (@IndianWeather_) June 19, 2015
Also Read: Updates on local train and railway situtation in Mumbai
Aaditya Thackeray sent out some crucial information via series of tweets
It's been 12 hours of incessant rainfall of unprecedented measure, almost 300 mm in less than 12 hours, with high velocity winds and tides
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) June 19, 2015
I've been on the streets, visited Cleveland Pumping Station that faced issues because of boulders holding up the gates, and then at BMC HQ
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) June 19, 2015
Also been trying to coordinate tweets of all mumbaikars facing issues with BMC Disaster Room- police, traffic and ward offices from BMC HQ
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) June 19, 2015
Since morning Uddhavji has been coordinating. I've been at BMC HQ with @Subhash_Desai ji, @TawdeVinod ji, @ShelarAshish ji, Mayor, Raote ji
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) June 19, 2015
300 mm is a test for any city, and neither anyone of us, nor government agencies will shy away from responsibility. Working on streets
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) June 19, 2015
Mithi is around the danger level Bec of rains. Please cooperate with the BMC, NDRF, Police and other authorities, when they come to help
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) June 19, 2015
There seems to be a heavy cloud build up for rains coming our way. Will request all not to be around the coastline and cooperate with police
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) June 19, 2015
1916 BMC disaster control helpline, please do spread this and use this to report and coordinate with BMC, Police, armed forces, fire brigade
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) June 19, 2015
As per Stats, we've received an average of 15 days rain in 24 hours, and weather systems say won't stop till tmrw evening.
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) June 19, 2015
I humble urge all those who've stepped out near promenades, coastlines, or to take a stroll, please do NOT wait there. Waves can be tricky
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) June 19, 2015
BMC Commissioner Ajoy Mehta holds press conference:
A press conference on Friday evening was held by BMC Commissioner Ajoy Mehta to address the incessant Mumbai rains.
At the conference, Mehta said, "Although a few pumps were not operating, we have now got those pumps replaced."
He also informed that as heavy rainfalls are expected on Saturday as well, schools will remain shut. He added that BMC worers are stationed where high tide is expected.
He further added, "The main areas where waterlogging took place are Hindmata, Dadar,Kurla and Matunga. We have alerted the NDRF, Navy and Army.They are on standby. Schools advised to remain shut. Citizens are advised to stay away from beaches and from going close to the Marine Drive wall."
WR resumes service between Andheri - Churchgate
The Western Railway local trains have resumed between Andheri and Churchgate. Central Railway and Harbour Line still off track.
Traffic along western and eastern highway - slow, due to water logdging at various areas.
Reports also suggest that 24 vehicular accidents have taken place across the city.
Flights delayed due to rain and cloudy atmosphere.
Clevelad Pumping Station in Worli stops working
The brand new Cleveland Pumping Station at Worli has stopped working which could invite more trouble in this devastating rains in Mumbai.
The pumping stations are used to flush out water from flooded areas into the sea during monsoons.
This failure of the pumping station could mean that the sea water can enter the city with high tide. Coupled with forecast for high rains, this could mean further waterlogging and no chance for water receding.
Central Railway authorities have now confirmed that the services will not start for at least next one hour.
Water on tracks has not receded and we are not in a position to start services, CR authorities said.
Traffic updates:
City traffic becomes normal towards the end of the day.
tweet on @TrafflineMUM that traffic is buttery smooth from Churchgate to the suburbs and weh is smooth so far till andheri at least. -Rads
— Swapnil Arora (@GrlNamedSwapnil) June 19, 2015
Rain had stopped and level of water @ mitthi river is going down...a new relif to mumbai @TrafflineMUM
— Jacking (@jackinchheda) June 19, 2015
@poojarao23 https://t.co/Ugaw2NZ6gy
— Heisenberg (@pankito09) June 19, 2015
During the day road traffic in Mumbai was hit hard with waterlogging reported in as many as 63 spots across city.
Both Eastern and Western Express Highway were choc-a-block with bumper to bumper traffic.
Traffic has virtually come to a standstill near Tilak Bridge in Dadar, Sion Circle, SV Road in Khar, Kandivali, Sonapur in Bhandup, Pantnagar in Ghatkopar, Sarvoday Nagar in Mulund, Nayanagar in Mahim, Dharavi, Mahim-Dharavi Link Road, Yellow Bungalow near Dharavi, MTNL Junction in Bandra Kurla Complex, according to information provided by the traffic police in Mumbai.
The traffic on Mumbai-Pune expressway near Lonavla is really slow.
Head of Yuva Sena, Aditya Thackeray reached BMC control room to take stock of situation.
Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray's son Aditya Thackeray alongwith State Education Minister Vinod Tawde visited the BMC Disaster Management Control room to review the situation.
CR and WR resumes service on selected routes
Tain services between Borivali to Bandra and Mumbai Central to Churchgate have resumed but are running with delay.
Central Railways may resume partially in half an hour.
The Central Railway authorities are watching the high tide which is receding and are hopeful to resume partial services in 30 minutes.
Two trains that were stranded earlier due to waterlogging, have just reached Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST).
"We are watching the situation very closely. Although high tide is receding, there iis still waterlogging in tracks. We are hopeful to start in next 30 minutes," a Central Railways sources said.
On Western Railway, services are running intermittently between Andheri and Dahanu Road.
However, due to almost one foot deep water on tracks near Matunga and Elphinstone, services between Churchgate and Andheri remain suspended. Even WR authorities are hoping to resume partial services in next one hour.
"We need clear tracks. We are waiting for water level to recede to about half a foot so that services can be started. At present, it is the Dharavi nala that is our headache,"WR authorities said.
Mumbai BJP General Secretary demands arrests of civic contractors responsible for nullah cleaning in the city
Mumbai BJP general secretary Vivekanand Gupta has demanded arrest of all civic contractors engaged in cleaning of nullahs in Mumbai.
"Crores of rupees spent by BMC on the nullah cleaning is nothing but a fraud played by BMC on Mumbaikars. All the money has been pocketed by the civic staff and contractors. I will be lodging written complaint with the Anti-Corruption Bureau,"he said.
Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray reviews flood situation in Mumbi with BMC Commissioner.
BMC Commissioner Ajoy Mehta, Guardian Minister Vinod Tawde, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray have reached Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The trio, along with additional commissioners, reviewed the situation and discussed what could be done
BMC Commissioner Mehta also reached Dadar to assess the situation.
Hon'ble Ajoy Mehta at Hindmata, Dadar ( E ) for inspection. #MumbaiRains @dna pic.twitter.com/lyjIhNBK88
— I am in dna of India (@DNA_IamIn) June 19, 2015
Chief Minister Fadnavis visits control room
Local trains are facing problems, some are running while some are not. Railway officials are on the job, halted trains will run soon, assures CM Fadnavis.
CM Devendra Fadnavis met Chief Secretary at BMC Disaster Management Office in Mumbai and took stock of the situation. Fadnavis has urged people to stay inside their homes and not venture out in the rains as the city braces for high tide to hit at 2.29 p.m. today. "Advisories are being given out after every hour or two, we are sure that we will handle the situation. We are concerned about the high tide, for now the focus in on draining water from the roads as high tide is expected at 2.30 pm," said Fadnavis.
CM Fadnavis even tok to Twitter to caution everyone.
Almost4m high tide expected around2pm.Appealing everyone to avoid going near the sea.Please avoid going out of homes. Be safe! #MumbaiRains
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) June 19, 2015
High Tide warning
According to BMC data, average rainfall recorded in 24 hours ending 8 am today is: Mumbai City 188 mm, Eastern Suburbs 155 mm, Western Suburbs 172 mm while the high tide (4.47 metres) is expected at 2:29 PM.
#Mumbai...calm down.. heavy rains will not affect u...praying for u.. a pic of High tide at Bandra-Worli Sea Link pic.twitter.com/ynxpLZEigX
— Priyanka- Photos 4 U (@Photos4uIndia) June 19, 2015
Highways and arterial roads clogged
While several roads are still operations many are water logged. BMC has asked people to stay indoors and not venture out for safety reasons, yet many Mumbaikars have braved the rains. BEST services too have been affected with several routes canceled. "BEST staff that is unable to reach their duty depots have been asked to go to nearest depots and will be given duty accordingly," said a BEST official.
Easter express highway, mega jam before kurla flyover. #chembur. @TrafflineMUM @smart_mumbaikar pic.twitter.com/w4GlZJ0kbz
— Nayan Shah (@nayan4shah) June 19, 2015
At Andheri. #MumbaiRains @dna pic.twitter.com/NhZjka6SJO
— I am in dna of India (@DNA_IamIn) June 19, 2015
Ghatkopar #Mumbai after incessant #rain the whole of last night pic.twitter.com/PyObmfj0tD
— Amitabh Tiwari (@AmitabhTiwari) June 19, 2015
BEST buses 399 & 380 collide near Shreyas Cinema, Ghatkopar West @dna #MumbaiRains #Mumbai #MumbaiMonsoon @DNA_IamIn pic.twitter.com/4Kak1n4rTw
— Ateeq Shaikh (@tweetateeq) June 19, 2015
This is under Santacruz flyover near Vakola #MumbaiRains @DNA_IamIn pic.twitter.com/ggPAPqruGh
— dna (@dna) June 19, 2015
Hindmata majorly affected due to heavy rains #MumbaiRains @dna pic.twitter.com/YGCg42SN31
— I am in dna of India (@DNA_IamIn) June 19, 2015
International Flights delayed
Authorities at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai have announced delay of 30 to 45 minutes on average for all flights while 18 have been cancelled , 9 diverted.
6e445 and 9w466 diverted to Ahmedabad while G8334 diverted to Baroda. 8 international flights have been delayed as well. Details awaited.
Eight international flights delayed due to heavy rains @dna #MumbaiRains
— I am in dna of India (@DNA_IamIn) June 19, 2015
Snehal Ambekar Mumbai Mayor
BMC cleaned all nullahs and drains well, waterlogging is due to heavy rains
Too late? Two workers trying to clean nullah near Mumbai airport #MumbaiRains @calamur @DNA_IamIn pic.twitter.com/ldeZluTZcj
— dna (@dna) June 19, 2015
BMC Commissioner Ajoy Mehta took stock of the waterlogging at Hindmata market.
Hon'ble Ajoy Mehta at Hindmata, Dadar ( E ) for inspection. #MumbaiRains @dna pic.twitter.com/lyjIhNBK88
— I am in dna of India (@DNA_IamIn) June 19, 2015
Flood Water enters homes, high tide affects coastal areas
High tide at Bandra-Worli Sea Link @dna #MumbaiRains pic.twitter.com/2U4PP6pAU9
— I am in dna of India (@DNA_IamIn) June 19, 2015
@DNA_IamIn @dna "@vijaykumar1927: water entered in houses due to rain. A Parel family struggling water logging. pic.twitter.com/0pUM0gVJRQ"
— Anagha Sawant (@SawantAnagha) June 19, 2015
If you could spot it, a motorcycle is submerged nr Wadala #MumbaiRains @DNA_IamIn pic.twitter.com/0SyjUm2Cth
— dna (@dna) June 19, 2015
Knee high water impedes movement
Several commuters using the central railway local service to reach work in South Mumbai were left mid-track as trains ran with several hours of delay. Failure of railways signals at several posts coupled with flooding tracks has caused an almost shut down of the local trains while more commuters await already over stuff trains at stations.
This is what Dadar TT Circle looks like right now @dna #MumbaiRains pic.twitter.com/OsD9CwH1Wy
— I am in dna of India (@DNA_IamIn) June 19, 2015
A local train halts mid-way as water levels on the railway tracks continue to rise
Low lying areas of Dadar, Sion and several central south Mumbai localities have reported almost knee-high water making movement of vehicles and trains difficult.
People stand at elevated portions of the road outside Dadar station as water continues to clog the low lying areas - Pratik Mukane
@DNA_IamIn "@Darkwyr: Tree fallen at S'cruz end of Linking Road, Khar/Bandra-side flooded. @TrafflineMUM @RoadWoes pic.twitter.com/F7tkJyncYF"
— Anagha Sawant (@SawantAnagha) June 19, 2015
Schools inoperative
Owning to risks associated with heavy rain the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) have instructed the schools in low lying areas to declare a no-school day.
Owing to the weather bureau's indication that the rains would continue to pour heavily for the next 24 hours and the resulting disruption of transport services, BMC chief Ajoy Mehta has ordered that all municipal and private schools remain shut.
However this announcement comes just hours before school times leaving several parents and students clueless.
Connectivity woes
Internet and telecommunication services in Mumbai have been reported to fluctuate severely since this morning. With many opting to work-from-home this came as an unforeseen hiccup. The BMC has also requested people to not venture out until rain subsides.
#Mumbai #Rains #Dadar #Sion #Matunga #BMC #Floods #HighAlert @dna pic.twitter.com/0g8S4JHuFA
— Pratik Mukane (@pratikmukane) June 19, 2015
Railway, BMC requests #Mumbaikars to stay indoors unless emergency as #MumbaiRains cripples #Mumbai
— Somita Pal (@somitapal) June 19, 2015
@dna @shreyshtyle This is Western Express highway! Been here since 2 hours :( pic.twitter.com/IfQn0WFT5B
— Minal Ruhela (@minalrh) June 19, 2015
The situation is a grim reminder of the horrors of the flood of July 26, 2005 that left Mumbai helpless for days.
Tweets about #Mumbai #Rain
Read : July 26, 2005: When Mumbai was washed away
Long distance trains have been rescheduled whereas trains remain suspended between Andheri and Chruchgate.
Also Read: Mumbai rains: City's lifeline local trains most affected in the incessant rains and long distance trains rescheduled
With Agency inputs
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