Mumbai, Maharashtra – In the wake of heavy rainfall that battered parts of Maharashtra, wreaking havoc in Mumbai and its adjoining areas, more than 100 local train services were forced to cancel on Wednesday, causing commuter chaos. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert in Raigad, and tragically, a landslide struck late Wednesday night, leaving more than 30 families feared trapped under debris, according to officials. The relentless downpour prompted the Maharashtra education department to take immediate action, instructing officials in Thane, Palghar, and Raigad to declare a holiday for all educational institutions.
This move came in conjunction with the state government’s decision to grant a day off for schools in four districts – Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and Palghar – on Thursday, due to an alarming heavy rainfall warning issued for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). With the city struggling to cope with the deluge, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde took a proactive approach by personally visiting the Disaster Management Department at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters. His presence aimed to assess the situation and mobilize resources to aid those affected by the relentless rain that brought life to a standstill in the metropolis and its surrounding areas.
The Colaba and Santacruz observatories, which serve as vital indicators for the island city and its suburbs, recorded staggering rainfall figures – 98.4 mm and 52.8 mm, respectively. These numbers underscored the intensity of the rainfall and its crippling impact on the region’s infrastructure and daily life. In addition to the cancellations of local train services, several areas faced severe waterlogging, leading to traffic snarls and difficulties for commuters.
The landslide in Raigad added to the mounting distress, as rescue teams rushed to the site to search for survivors among the trapped families. Authorities and volunteers worked tirelessly to provide relief and assistance to those stranded and displaced. As the situation unfolded, the BMC and various disaster management teams remained on high alert, closely monitoring the water levels of rivers and lakes to prevent any further escalation of the crisis. The inclement weather is expected to persist for the coming days, posing further challenges to the region’s infrastructure, public services, and emergency response capabilities.
As a precautionary measure, residents have been advised to stay indoors and avoid venturing into vulnerable areas during the heavy rainfall period. While the authorities are doing their best to mitigate the impact of the monsoon fury, the situation serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive disaster management plans and improved urban infrastructure to withstand such weather extremes in the future. As Maharashtra battles the forces of nature, unity and resilience remain the keys to overcoming the challenges brought forth by this natural calamity.