Mumbai Faces Heavy Rainfall Crisis: Schools Closed, Transportation Disrupted, and Political Fallout

 Mumbai, the Financial Capital of India, is known for its ceaseless energy and vibrant life. However, this week the city finds itself under a slow and heavy downpour as an orange alert for rainfall disrupts daily activities.

Heavy Rainfall Hits Mumbai and Thane

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has urged residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary, as the city grapples with severe waterlogging and transportation disruptions. Over the past 24 hours, Mumbai recorded over 300 mm of rainfall across various locations from 1 am to 7 am, leading to significant delays in train and bus services. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and other city agencies are working tirelessly to clear the waterlogged streets and restore normalcy.

School and College Closures Announced

In light of the extreme weather conditions, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared a three-day holiday for all government and private schools, as well as colleges in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. This decision aims to ensure the safety of students and avoid disruptions caused by the heavy rains. BMC’s statement emphasized that, “Heavy rains in some low-lying areas have led to waterlogging and disruption of suburban train services. Heavy rain is expected to continue today. Therefore, a holiday for the first session is declared for all BMC, Government, and Private schools and colleges in the Mumbai (BMC area). The decision for the next session will be announced after reviewing the situation.”

Continued Heavy Rainfall and Flight Cancellations

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the heavy rainfall is expected to persist for the next three days, which will significantly impact daily life, public transportation, and air travel. The city has seen the cancellation of over 50 flights due to low visibility, further complicating travel plans for many passengers.

Political Reactions and Criticisms

Amidst the chaos, political leaders have begun to voice their concerns. Aditya Thackeray, a prominent leader from the Shiv Sena party, criticized the BMC for what he described as inadequate rain preparedness. Thackeray stated, “The BMC today has been caught completely unaware of preparing for rains,” reflecting growing frustration over the city’s response to the severe weather conditions.

Read more: https://indiaobservers.com/mumbai-rains-school-closures-transport-disruption/

As Mumbai deals with this rainfall crisis, residents are advised to exercise caution and avoid non-essential travel. While the city’s administration works to manage the immediate effects of the downpour, the long-term impact on infrastructure and daily life will be closely monitored.