Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 25: The financial capital of the country was lashed by heavy rains on Friday, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for Mumbai and a red alert for parts of Vidarbha. The intense downpour led to traffic diversions, high tide warnings, and advisories urging citizens to remain indoors.

According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the average rainfall recorded in the past three hours stood at 8 mm for Mumbai City, 36 mm in the Eastern suburbs, and 41 mm in the Western suburbs. With more rain forecast, the civic body has issued a four-day high tide alert in the Arabian Sea till July 27.

The BMC has also advised Mumbaikars to avoid visiting coastal areas during high tide. A tide measuring 4.66 metres was expected at 12:40 pm on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Traffic Police and Mumbai Police have cautioned residents against stepping out unless absolutely essential. "Avoid coastal areas and drive cautiously. In case of any emergency, please dial 100/112/103,” the police stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The Andheri Subway has been shut for vehicular traffic due to waterlogging, with diversions routed through Gokhale Bridge and Thackeray Bridge.

Heavy rains have also resulted in several mishaps. The city recorded 10 short circuit incidents, two house collapses in the island city area, and at least 11 cases of tree falls in the past 24 hours.

With the red alert in place for Vidarbha and continued orange alert for Mumbai, authorities are on high alert as the monsoon fury shows no signs of easing. Residents are urged to stay updated through official channels and avoid venturing out unless necessary.