Heavy downpours in Mumbai leave city gridlocked, with approximately 6 lives threatened by the flooding
Mumbai, India's financial hub, has been battling torrential monsoon rains for the past five days, causing widespread disruptions and tragic losses.
On Wednesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert of very heavy rain for the city. This alarming prediction came true, as more than 200 millimeters of rain fell in parts of Mumbai, according to the IMD's reports.
The heavy downpour has severely affected flight operations to and from Mumbai, causing delays. Tragically, six lives have been lost due to the heavy rains so far, as reported by news channel NDTV.
The city's suburban rail network has also been disrupted, causing commuters to wade through flooded streets. In the Kurla area, where waist-deep water was reported, commuters were seen climbing onto bus roofs to escape the rising waters.
On Tuesday, at least 782 passengers were rescued late in the day after two overcrowded Monorail trains stalled between stations due to power and air-conditioning failure, sparking panic.
Matheran, approximately 80 kilometers outside of Mumbai, saw a staggering 382.5 millimeters of rain, according to the IMD. Various areas around Mumbai have been inundated due to the heavy rains, leading to widespread flooding.
The relentless rainfall has brought Mumbai to a standstill, with life coming to a halt for the fifth consecutive day. The IMD reported that some areas of Mumbai received more than 200 millimeters (about 7.9 inches) of rainfall between 8.30 a.m. Tuesday and 8 a.m. Wednesday.
Despite the ongoing challenges, the people of Mumbai continue to persevere, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. The authorities are working tirelessly to manage the situation and ensure the safety of the city's residents.