Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, May 26: The much-awaited southwest monsoon arrived in Mumbai nearly 12 days ahead of schedule, but with its early onset came heavy downpours that wreaked havoc across the financial capital. Several parts of the city experienced severe waterlogging, crippling normal life, disrupting flight operations, and delaying suburban train services.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed the early arrival of monsoon over Maharashtra on Sunday—marking the earliest onset in the state in over 35 years. Within hours, the rains intensified across Mumbai, leaving areas like Kurla, Sion, Dadar, and Parel submerged under knee-deep water.
According to IMD data, Mumbai’s iconic Nariman Point recorded 40 mm of rainfall in just one hour between 6 am and 7 am. Grant Road received 36 mm, Colaba 31 mm, and Byculla 21 mm of rainfall during the same period. The city’s eastern and western suburbs continued to witness light to moderate showers throughout the day.
The impact of the rain extended beyond just road traffic. SpiceJet and other airlines issued advisories regarding potential flight delays and disruptions due to poor visibility and waterlogged runways. Train services also suffered, with Mumbai’s suburban rail network running behind schedule due to waterlogged tracks—though officials later confirmed that services were back to normal.
In response to the flooding, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) advised citizens to avoid stepping out unless absolutely necessary. Emergency teams have been deployed across the city to manage waterlogging and respond to distress calls. The BMC and Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) have also identified 96 buildings as “dangerous” for habitation during the monsoon, relocating around 3,100 residents to safer accommodations.
The IMD has issued a 'yellow' alert for Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar, warning of heavy rainfall throughout the day. An 'orange' alert has been declared in Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg for very heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and wind speeds up to 60 km/h in the next few hours.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar visited Baramati earlier in the day to assess the rain-affected regions. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde have directed all emergency services and disaster response teams to remain on high alert.
The IMD further stated that conditions are favourable for the monsoon to advance deeper into Maharashtra, including Mumbai, and also move into Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and parts of the northeast within the next three days.
With the monsoon knocking at Mumbai’s doors earlier than expected, citizens are advised to take necessary precautions, monitor weather alerts, and cooperate with civic agencies to ensure safety during this challenging period.