As the seasonal monsoons made a striking entry into Maharashtra, it also handed out its share of woes for the citizens.
As the seasonal monsoons made a striking entry into Maharashtra, it also handed out its share of woes for the citizens. Work life in the sprawling metropolis of Mumbai took a hit following the incessant rainfall since the last two days, as road and railway traffic remained jammed with water choking the tracks.
However, in what comes as a repeated case of disaster due to shoddy construction, at least 27 people have died in three separate incidents of a wall collapse in Maharashtra.
In East Malad, a wall collapsed on hutments due to heavy rains, killing 18 people.
In Kalyan, a portion of a compound wall of a school broke down, killing 3 persons while one has been admitted to the hospital.
In Pune, again, a portion of a compound wall of a college fell down on an adjoining camp of labourers, killing 6 persons.
The Maharashtra government on Tuesday declared a public holiday in three districts of the state -- Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, and Thane. It also said that only emergency services will remain functional in Mumbai due to the incessant rains that have affected road traffic and railways in the city. People have also been asked to avoid stepping out of their homes unless absolutely necessary.
Mumbai's local trains, long-distance trains, and flights have also been badly affected due to the torrential downpour.
Follow Mumbai Rains Train update LIVE: Services hampered in Central, Western and Harbour Lines
Some emergency helpline numbers have been issued by the BMC. You can help by circulating these around for those in need of help!
EMERGENCY HELPLINES: Stuck in rains in Mumbai? Here are helpline numbers you can contact
1. Malad East - Wall collapsed at Kurar village, 18 dead
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A compound wall collapsed due to heavy rains at Malad East, in Mumbai early Tuesday morning. The incident took place at Kurar village, Pimparipada- Malad East. So far 18 dead bodies have been recovered and 3 are in critical condition. The wall collapsed on hutments leading to these deaths. The injured people have been admitted to the trauma center at Jogeshwari and Shatabdi hospital, Kandivali.
NDRF team has rushed to the spot. They are carrying dog squad too to trace people who may be trapped inside the rubble. Police and fire brigade teams are also in the spot to facilitate relief and rescue work. It is feared that more people may be trapped inside the collapsed wall.
2. Pune wall collapse - 6 dead
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Six persons were killed and three others injured on Tuesday at around 1:15 AM after a portion of a compound wall of Sinhgad College in Ambegaon of Pune collapsed on an adjoining labour camp following incessant rainfall.
The deceased have been identified as Mamta Radhelal Patel (22), Jetulal Patel (50), Radhelal Patel (25), Jitu Chandan Ravte (24), Pralahd Chandan Ravte (30) and one Mrs Patel (45). Of these six, four were labourers from Chattisgarh.
Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rushed to the spot after their Control Room 5 received information. Rescue operation is currently underway.
3. Kalyan wall collapse - 3 dead
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A portion of the compound wall of the National Urdu School in Kalyan collapsed at 12:30 AM upon two houses adjacent to it, killing 3 persons. Among the deceased are a three-year-old child and a sixty-year-old woman. The police and the disaster response force arrived soon on the spot and rescued four people trapped in the debris.
The deceased have been identified as Shobha Kachru Kamble (60), Mohammad Chand (26), and Hussain Mohammad Chand (3).
An injured girl has been admitted to the nearby Rukmini Bai hospital.
4. Trains affected, limited operations in Central, Western and Harbour lines
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Mumbai's lifeline local trains are also badly affected due to the torrential downpour. According to BMC, currently, trains are working only in very limited lines in Central, Western and Harbour lines.
The BMC has issued a railway traffic update on Twitter.
Traffic Updates #Monsoon2019 #MCGMUpdates #MumbaiRains #SafeMonsoon pic.twitter.com/jrernkUVlb
— माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) July 2, 2019
So in Western Lines, Borivali to Vasai (up and down) is not operational currently. In Central Lines, CST to Thane (up and down) is not working. In Harbour Lines, CST to Vashi (up and down) is not working currently.
So in effect, Thane and Vashi, two of the important areas in outskirts of Mumbai are currently not accessible by Mumbai local trains, which would be extremely problematic for lakhs of commuters who come to the Maximum City for work.
5. Around 54 flights diverted
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Flight services were also affected in the city. According to sources at the Mumbai Airport, the Spicejet SG 6237 flight from Jaipur to Mumbai overshot the runway yesterday while landing at the Mumbai airport. However, no harm came in the way of passengers. No injuries have been reported.
IndiGo airlines have requested all passengers to check for delays/diversions due to the main runway being closed temporarily.
#6ETravelAdvisory: To check flight status, please visit https://t.co/Mj1tYZIvoE or send an SMS ST <flight no.><flight date> as DDMM, e.g. for flight 6E-333 for July 02, send ST 333 0207 to 566772. pic.twitter.com/KkzcTmbf32
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) July 1, 2019
Authorities have diverted around 54 flights the nearby airport.
6. Heavy downpour resulted in water logging in several areas
Heavy rains continued to lash Mumbai and its neighbouring areas today.
Monsoon showers led to waterlogging at Nala Sopara Railway Station and Malad area following heavy rain in Maharashtra.
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) PRO confirmed that all government, as well as private schools, will remain closed today.
The heavy downpour also forced Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to cancel his scheduled groundbreaking function of the construction of a new building for MLAs.
Private weather agency Skymet said Mumbai is at "serious risk of flooding" between July 3 and 5. "Close to 200 mm or more rain per day is likely during this period, which could hamper normal life," it said.
