Manic Monday: How relentless rains have forced Mumbai to pause

FP Explainers • August 18, 2025, 17:14:29 IST

Heavy rains continue to lash India’s financial capital for the third consecutive day on Monday, disrupting traffic and submerging roads. Mumbai recorded 177 mm of rainfall in just six-eight hours, inundating various areas. Several flights have also been delayed. The city has been placed under a ‘red’ alert, with a warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall

For the third day in a row, heavy rains lashed Mumbai on Monday, flooding several areas and throwing traffic out of gear. This viral picture, reportedly from Sion King Circle, shows school children being rescued by Mumbai Police in waist–deep water after their school bus got stuck. All children are safe. Image courtesy: X

Amid heavy downpour that submerged roads and reduced visibility, the BMC ordered the closure of all schools and colleges operating in the afternoon shift from 12 pm onwards. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘red’ alert for Mumbai and its suburban districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coming hours. PTI

Mumbai recorded 177 mm of rainfall in just 6–8 hours on Monday, leading to waterlogging in 14 areas, including Borivali, Thane, Kalyan, Mulund, Powai, Santa Cruz, Chembur, Worli, Navi Mumbai, and Colaba, triggering traffic congestion. PTI

The local train services had also been severely affected due to waterlogging on tracks at several locations on the Central and Western Railway lines. They are also running late by 15 to 20 minutes. PTI

A BMC worker on a waterlogged road amid rainfall on Monday. As per reports, owing to heavy rainfall and waterlogging, traffic on some of the routes leading to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai has been moving slowly. Airport authorities advised their passengers to check their flight status on the websites of their respective airlines. PTI

Amid the red alert, the Greater Mumbai Police Chief advised caution, saying, “As heavy rainfall continues under the Orange Alert, incidents of waterlogging and reduced visibility are being reported from multiple areas,” he wrote on X. He further warned people against unnecessary travel and to step out only if necessary. PTI

The heavy rainfall drastically reduced the visibility for drivers, which affected vehicular movement in the city. The weather office has warned of heavy rainfall across Palghar, Thane, Mumbai and Raigad for today and the coming days. Meanwhile, the BMC has issued a helpline number — 916 — for residents seeking assistance. PTI