Mumbai Rain: IMD Declares Red Alert, Police Advise Residents to Stay Indoors
Mumbai: The Mumbai Police On Thursday issued an advisory urging residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary on Friday. This came in response to the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) "red alert" prediction, which is in effect until 8:30 am on Friday. Despite this, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced that all schools and colleges within its jurisdiction would operate normally on Friday.
The IMD's red alert, issued for the morning of July 26, predicts extremely heavy rainfall and thunderstorms throughout the day. This warning comes as the city prepares for potential traffic congestions, waterlogging, and disruptions in public transport due to the heavy downpour.
"IMD has declared a Red alert for Mumbai till tomorrow morning 8:30 am. Requesting all Mumbaikars to stay indoors, until essential. Please stay safe," the Mumbai Police posted on X. They also advised residents to dial 100 in case of emergencies.
While the Mumbai Police cautioned the entire city about the heavy rains expected on Friday, the BMC, on Thursday evening, stated that the weather and rainfall in Mumbai were currently normal. Consequently, all educational institutions within the BMC area will function as usual on Friday.
"The weather and rainfall in Mumbai are normal at present, allowing life in the metropolitan city to proceed smoothly. As a result, all schools and colleges in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) area will remain open on a regular basis tomorrow, Friday, 26th July 2024," the BMC posted on X.
The BMC further urged parents not to believe any information or rumors regarding school and college closures and to rely only on official information from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. They advised citizens to stay in touch with the management of concerned schools and colleges for further updates.
The heavy rains on Thursday led to the cancellation of nearly a dozen flights, with 10 more diverted to nearby areas. Waterlogging on train tracks and stations caused delays in local train services. Rainfall recorded in the last 24 hours until 8:30 am on Thursday was 44 mm in Mumbai city, 90 mm in the eastern suburbs, and 89 mm in the western suburbs. The downpour resulted in flooded streets, with rainwater seeping into homes and causing severe traffic congestion on waterlogged roads.
As Mumbai prepares for another day of heavy rainfall, residents are advised to stay cautious and follow official updates to ensure their safety.
