The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai, forecasting very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms on Wednesday, following five consecutive days of relentless downpours that brought the city to a standstill. Tuesday’s rain led to severe flooding, widespread waterlogging, and major disruptions to air and rail traffic, prompting multiple rescue operations. However, the IMD has predicted a decline in rainfall intensity from Thursday.
The IMD’s red alert for Wednesday covers Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, and Ratnagiri districts. The warning includes the possibility of intense to very intense rain spells, accompanied by gusty winds reaching up to 60 kmph.
Mumbai’s local train network was thrown into disarray. Services on the Central Railway’s harbour linebwere suspended from 11:15am on Tuesday due to waterlogging, only resuming by 3am on Wednesday, according to Central Railway spokesperson Swanil Nila.
Although local trains resumed on Wednesday, delays persisted. Western Railway services were running 35 minutes late, while Central Railway trains faced delays of up to 45 minutes.
Long-distance trains also faced disruptions. Some, like the Jodhpur–Dadar Express, were short-terminated at Borivali. Others, including the Ahmedabad–Pune Duronto and Jaipur–Pune Express, were diverted via Surat–Udhna–Jalgaon, leading to extended journey times.
A major scare unfolded on Tuesday evening when two overcrowdedx Monorail trains broke down between stations on elevated tracks, stranding 782 passengers. Panic spread as air-conditioning and lighting failed, causing several passengers to feel suffocated. Two fainted, and one woman was hospitalised, though her condition remains stable.
According to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the breakdown occurred due to overcrowding caused by suspended suburban train services. "The Monorail system is not equipped to handle such sudden passenger surges," said an MMRDA official.
582 passengers stuck between Mysore Colony and Bhakti Park were rescued using snorkel ladders, while another 200 were evacuated from a train that was successfully towed back to Wadala Station.
The Mithi River swelled to 3.9 metres, just below its 4-metre danger level, triggering urgent evacuation drives in low-lying areas. In Kurla’s Kranti Nagar, over 400 residents, many living in informal settlements, were shifted to safer locations by the NDRF and civic teams.
Operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were affected, with at least eight flights diverted on Tuesday. Flooding in operational areas and reduced visibility delayed several departures and arrivals. Stranded passengers reported overcrowding at terminals as airlines scrambled to rebook travellers.
The University of Mumbai postponed all examinations scheduled for Wednesday, 20 August, affecting students from both Summer 2025 and Winter 2025 sessions. In a circular issued Tuesday night, the university cited student safety and transport disruption as reasons. Revised exam dates will be announced shortly.
Mumbai recorded over 200 mm of rainfall in just 11 hours on Tuesday. Key areas like Kurla, Dadar, Andheri, and Sion witnessed severe flooding, making roads impassable. The heavy rain also led to incidents of wall collapses, tree falls, and power outages in various parts of the city.
While the IMD has forecast a reduction in rainfall starting Thursday, the city continues to grapple with waterlogging and transport delays. Emergency teams remain on standby as the administration urges residents to stay indoors unless necessary.
