Mumbai, the city that never gets tired of monsoons, is once again under a “red alert” issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), effective till September 26, 2024. The red alert forecasts extremely heavy rainfall with associated thunderstorms, squally winds gusting up to 45-50 kmph, and increased waterlogging. It would be interesting to know the most recent developments, the disruptions caused, and the safety measures in place in this city of Mumbai as it braces up for this intense weather event.
What is the Red Alert?
The IMD thus provides the highest warning level known as red alert when extreme weather conditions are expected. In this regard, the red alerts for Mumbai correspond to heavy to extremely heavy rains for certain areas, which vary from 64.5 mm to more than 204.5 mm in different districts. This rain system is to be activated by a trough from North Konkan up to South Bangladesh and a cyclonic circulation over South Chhattisgarh meaning intense rainfall and thunderstorms are very likely today. The wind speed shall reach 40-50 km/h also during these hours.
Effects on Life: Schools and offices closed
The BMC has declared a closure of all schools and colleges on September 26 as a precautionary measure. This is due to the apprehended risks associated with heavy downpours that may cause flooded roads, traffic congestion, and many other public services.
In addition to schools and colleges, office-goers and people traveling by trains have also been hit. Services on major Central and Harbour lines of Mumbai trains were drastically affected due to waterlogging in several stretches. Delays and cancellations of flights reported in the city add to the disruptions. Traffic jams have caused problems everywhere, including at Kurla, Ghatkopar and the BKC.
While the whole city continues to be on tenterhooks, some specific localities remain even more prone to waterlogging. Sion, Dadar, Kurla, and Chembur have witnessed rising levels of water even now. In fact, these places will witness even more flooding with rains looming large over Thursday. The BMC has churned up its pumping stations and other flood control measures, but the sheer volume of rainfall will simply overwhelm these.
Government Measures and Precautions
Due to the red alert issued by the BMC, residents are asked to stay indoors and avoid any unnecessary traveling. Emergency services have been alerted with disaster response teams standing by in case of a requirement. The system of flood monitoring has been activated in the city, and BMC is coordinating with the IMD to update the public of the evolving situation. The civic body in Mumbai has also directed its citizens to be prepared for a power cut and equipped themselves with emergency kits and gear in flood-prone areas.
Flight and rail services are still disrupted due to the severe floods.
Due to weather, air and rail services have been badly affected. Many flights have been delayed or canceled due to low visibility and waterlogging on the runways at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Suburban trains, however, have been the lifeline of the city, and there has been a delinquency in almost all the lines, compelling commuters to use alternative modes of transport, which further congests the roads​.
Conclusion: City on Alert
Safety and preparedness remain on the radar in Mumbai as it struggles through this extreme weather event. The government has advised caution, adherence to the advisories issued, and not venturing out unless absolutely necessary. Heavy rain has been forecast for the early hours of September 26 morning with prospects of deteriorating further in some parts of the city. Only with proper planning and community awareness can this worst type of severe weather event be minimized, but the Mumbaikars are reminded to remain vigilant about this red alert.
This red alert is a stark reminder of Mumbai’s vulnerability to extreme weather, and now, it will test the city’s infrastructure and services in the days ahead.