Mumbai's Monsoon Mayhem: IMD's Red Alert Triggers Citywide Disruptions

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Mumbai, the bustling metropolis known for its resilience, is currently grappling with an unprecedented monsoon onset. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for the city and its neighboring districts, signaling the arrival of the southwest monsoon earlier than usual. This early and intense monsoon has led to severe flooding, transportation disruptions, and significant infrastructural challenges.

Unprecedented Rainfall and Infrastructure Strain

On May 26, the Colaba observatory recorded 439 mm of rainfall, while Santacruz reported 74.3 mm between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm. This intense rain overwhelmed the city’s drainage systems, leading to severe waterlogging in areas like King’s Circle, Hindmata, Hutatma Chowk, and Breach Candy. Despite the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reducing the number of dewatering pumps from 482 to 417, many flood-prone regions remain submerged. Operational failures, such as disconnected underground tanks at Hindmata, have exacerbated the situation. Additionally, incomplete desilting efforts have left only 71% of drains cleared, hindering effective water drainage.

Transport Chaos and Public Disruption

The heavy rains have caused significant disruptions to Mumbai’s transport systems. Over 50 Central Railway services, including 30 on the Harbour line, were cancelled, stranding thousands of commuters. Western Railway services also faced cancellations due to waterlogging at key stations like Masjid and CSMT. The flooding was further worsened by a 4.75-meter high tide, which led to early closure of floodgates and the failure of key pumping stations at ONGC Yellow Gate and Mahalaxmi. Commuters reported frustration over packed trains and unclear announcements.

BMC’s Preparedness Under Scrutiny

The BMC’s preparedness for the monsoon season is being questioned as several flood-prone areas remain submerged. The reduction in dewatering pumps and incomplete desilting efforts have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the city’s flood management strategies. Despite assurances, new flooding in areas like Breach Candy has highlighted potential shortcomings in the newly completed infrastructure, such as the Mumbai Coastal Road.

Safety Measures and Public Advisory

In response to the ongoing crisis, the BMC has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in Mumbai. Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The IMD has issued a red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places, with the possibility of strong winds reaching 50-60 km/h. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and follow official advisories.