In the wake of heavy overnight rains paralyzing Mumbai, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde issued a plea to residents on Monday, urging them to refrain from unnecessary travel amidst the deluge. The downpour, which inundated several areas and disrupted transport services, prompted Shinde to take decisive measures to manage the crisis effectively.
Areas across Mumbai recorded significant rainfall, with some places receiving up to 300 mm between 1-7 am, leading to widespread waterlogging and impacting rail and air travel. Speaking to reporters, Shinde emphasized the severity of the situation and outlined the steps taken by civic authorities and rescue teams to mitigate the flooding.
“Railway tracks were submerged at multiple locations, but efforts by Railways, NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), and civic officials to pump out water have enabled train services to resume,” stated Shinde. He highlighted the deployment of 461 motor pumps from the municipal corporation and an additional 200 pumps from Railways to alleviate water accumulation.
Acknowledging the ongoing challenges, Shinde confirmed the activation of seven pumping stations across the city and assured that civic officials were actively managing waterlogged areas. Schools were closed to ensure safety, and emergency services were placed on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents.
The Chief Minister also underscored Mumbai’s unique infrastructure capabilities, including micro-tunneling systems designed to facilitate drainage during heavy rainfall.
With the Meteorological Department issuing an orange alert for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and the Konkan Belt, cautionary measures remain in place. The alert signifies preparedness for further heavy rains, prompting authorities to advise residents to stay updated on weather forecasts and exercise caution while commuting.
Videos circulating online depicted scenes of residents navigating waist-deep waters and commuters stranded at submerged train stations in places like Dombivli. Flight operations were also significantly affected, with over 50 cancellations reported, prompting airlines to advise travelers to verify their flight statuses before heading to the airport.
Sources By Agencies
