Relentless rainfall pounded Mumbai on Monday, throwing the city into disarray with widespread waterlogging, traffic gridlocks, and disruption of essential services. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, warning of extremely heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours.
The downpour brought several key areas to a standstill, including the Western Express Highway near Vile Parle and Gandhi Market in Sion, while the Andheri Subway had to be shut due to flooding.
In view of worsening conditions, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared an afternoon holiday for all schools and colleges. &ldquo;Considering student safety, all institutions scheduled to function after 12 noon will remain closed,&rdquo; the BMC stated in a public announcement.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid non-essential travel and keep emergency helpline 1916 handy for official updates. All BMC departments have been placed on high alert.
Air travel has also been impacted. Airlines such as Akasa Air and IndiGo issued travel advisories, warning passengers about traffic congestion and possible delays while heading to the airport. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport authorities asked fliers to check flight status with airlines and arrive early to clear security procedures smoothly.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Suburban Guardian Minister Ashish Shelar visited the BMC Disaster Control Room to review the situation. He confirmed that a red alert has been sounded for the next 48 hours, while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has convened a state-level review meeting.
&ldquo;Government and administration will remain on high alert for the next two days. Citizens are requested to follow advisories and step out only if necessary,&rdquo; Shelar said.
The heavy downpour has left several low-lying areas submerged, with reports of tree falls and wall collapses across the city. Mumbai Police also appealed to residents: &ldquo;Waterlogging and low visibility are being reported from multiple areas. Please avoid unnecessary travel and contact helplines 100/112/103 in case of emergencies.&rdquo;
Beyond Mumbai, Pune has also come under a yellow alert, with moderate to heavy rainfall predicted. Several parts of the city witnessed waterlogging and heavy traffic on Monday morning, prompting IMD to urge citizens to remain cautious and monitor weather advisories. [Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed]

Mumbai under red alert as heavy rains lash city

Torrential rains trigger flooding, schools shut, flights hit; IMD warns of more downpour

Mumbai under red alert as heavy rains lash city

Torrential rains trigger flooding, schools shut, flights hit; IMD warns of more downpour

August 18, 2025 | 20:09 IST