Mumbai roads and subways flooded after intense rainfall, 2025 monsoon.
Mumbai, India – The monsoon season has brought heavy rainfall across Maharashtra, with Mumbai facing unprecedented waterlogging and disruptions. Over the last few days, torrential rains have not only paralyzed transportation and daily life but also caused fatalities. As of 19th August 2025, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for several districts, indicating that the next 48 hours are extremely crucial.
In this article, we provide a detailed update on the Mumbai rains, their impact on transportation, schools, offices, and flights, as well as safety measures for residents during this challenging period.
IMD Issues Red Alert for Mumbai and Surrounding Districts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of extremely heavy rainfall in Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. The Red Alert signifies a high risk of flooding and disruption of essential services. Residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor local updates.
The IMD highlighted that the next 48 hours are crucial, as rainfall intensity is expected to remain very high. Authorities have been urged to prepare for emergency situations, including evacuations and rescue operations in low-lying areas.
Mumbai Flood Situation: Roads, Trains, and Schools Affected
Mumbai, India’s financial hub, has been severely impacted by relentless rainfall. Some of the major disruptions include:
Waterlogged roads and subways: Most arterial roads and underpasses in the city are submerged, making vehicular movement extremely difficult.
Local train services suspended: The city’s lifeline, local trains, faced shutdowns on several routes due to track flooding, particularly on the Harbour Line between CSMT and Kurla.
Schools, colleges, and offices closed: As a precautionary measure, educational institutions and government offices remained closed to ensure public safety.
Flight delays and cancellations: Heavy rain and poor visibility disrupted flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Authorities have warned that waterlogging may worsen over the next two days, urging commuters to plan travel cautiously or avoid it entirely if possible.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that Mumbai recorded nearly 500 mm of rainfall over 84 hours. To put this into perspective:
On 18th and 19th August alone, the city witnessed over 300 mm rainfall, causing severe flooding in low-lying areas.
Central Railway suspended services on key lines due to submergence of tracks, impacting thousands of daily commuters.
Meteorologists have noted that such heavy downpours are unusual even for Mumbai’s monsoon season, signaling potential challenges in urban drainage systems and emergency response.
Maharashtra Rain Death Toll Rises to 6
Tragically, at least six people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents across Maharashtra. Some reported incidents include:
In Mumbai, a 75-year-old watchman died after a compound wall collapsed at Nepean Sea Road.
Another resident was electrocuted in Kanjurmarg due to exposed wires.
Various districts reported water-logging-related accidents, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Local authorities have urged residents to remain alert and follow safety advisories, especially in flood-prone neighborhoods.
Safety Measures for Residents During Heavy Rain
During intense rainfall and flooding, it is crucial for residents to prioritize safety. Key safety measures include:
Stay indoors unless travel is absolutely necessary.
Avoid low-lying areas and underpasses, which are prone to flooding.
Do not attempt to cross submerged roads or railway tracks – water depth can be deceiving.
Turn off electricity in water-logged homes to prevent electrocution.
Keep emergency numbers handy for police, fire services, and medical assistance.
Follow updates from IMD and local authorities regularly.
Adhering to these safety measures can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and fatalities.
Impact on Transportation and Economy
Mumbai’s economy and daily life have been severely impacted by continuous heavy rainfall:
Local transport: With train services halted, commuters are forced to rely on alternative modes like buses or private vehicles, which are also affected by waterlogged roads.
Air travel: Flight delays and cancellations have disrupted business and leisure travel.
Business operations: Offices and shops in affected areas have temporarily shut, leading to economic losses.
Healthcare: Hospitals are managing increased emergency cases due to accidents, flooding, and electrocution incidents.
Authorities are working around the clock to restore normalcy, but experts warn that heavy rainfall may continue to challenge city infrastructure for the next two days.
Causes of Heavy Rainfall in Mumbai
Mumbai experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, but the recent downpour is unusually intense due to several factors:
Monsoon depression in the Arabian Sea leading to heavy cloud formation.
Urban heat islands causing local convection currents and heavy precipitation.
Poor drainage in certain areas, exacerbating waterlogging during high-intensity rainfall.
Climate experts have also indicated that changing weather patterns could increase the frequency of extreme rainfall events in metropolitan cities like Mumbai.
Government Response and Relief Efforts
The Maharashtra government and municipal authorities have launched multiple initiatives to address the flooding:
Deployment of disaster management teams in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Temporary shelters set up for affected residents.
Continuous monitoring of dams and water reservoirs to prevent overflow.
Public advisories disseminated through social media, television, and local news channels.
Emergency helplines have been activated, and citizens are encouraged to report distress calls promptly.
How Residents Can Prepare for the Next 48 Hours
Given that the next 48 hours are critical, residents should take proactive steps to minimize risk:
Stock essential supplies such as food, drinking water, and medicines.
Keep flashlights, batteries, and power banks ready in case of power outages.
Avoid traveling during heavy rainfall and plan alternate routes if travel is unavoidable.
Stay informed about local weather updates and evacuation notices.
Assist neighbors, particularly the elderly and differently-abled, in securing their homes.
Preparedness can help reduce panic and ensure safety during extreme weather conditions.
Conclusion
The ongoing heavy rains in Mumbai and Maharashtra have brought life to a standstill, with roads, railways, schools, and offices affected, and the tragic loss of at least six lives. As the IMD Red Alert signals that the next 48 hours are critical, residents must prioritize safety, follow official advisories, and avoid unnecessary travel.
Mumbai’s infrastructure and emergency services are under immense pressure, but with timely action and precautionary measures, further casualties and damage can be minimized.
Residents are advised to stay updated with the latest news, cooperate with local authorities, and prepare for potential flooding over the coming days. Safety, awareness, and vigilance remain the top priorities as the city navigates this monsoon crisis.
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