Mumbai, August 18, 2025 – The city that never sleeps is drenched and determined as relentless monsoon rains pound Mumbai for the third day straight, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) sounding a red alert for extreme rainfall today and an orange alert stretching until August 19. From waterlogged streets to delayed trains, Mumbai’s spirit is being tested, but Mumbaikars are rising to the challenge. Here’s the latest on the deluge and how to stay safe amid the storm.

Rain Wreaks Havoc Across Mumbai

The city woke to a downpour that turned roads into rivers and low-lying areas like Andheri Subway, Lokhandwala, and Chembur into urban lagoons. The IMD reported 65 mm of rain in Chembur within an hour, while Dahisar clocked a staggering 188 mm in 24 hours, pushing Mumbai’s seasonal rainfall past 1,000 mm at both Colaba and Santacruz observatories. The Western Express Highway crawled as vehicles navigated flooded stretches, and local trains faced delays of up to 20 minutes on waterlogged tracks at Kurla and Sion.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been on high alert, deploying over 10,000 personnel to manage waterlogging and clear drainage systems. Despite their efforts, visuals on social media showed knee-deep water in Byculla and severe flooding in Vikhroli, where a recent landslide left a somber mark. High tides, expected to reach 4.66 meters tonight, add to the woes, prompting the BMC to warn against visiting coastal areas like Marine Drive and Juhu Beach.

Authorities Sound the Alarm

The IMD’s red alert warns of extremely heavy rainfall for the next 48 hours, with gusts up to 60 kmph likely to intensify tonight. The BMC declared a holiday for schools and colleges post-noon, urging citizens to stay indoors unless travel is essential. Mumbai Police echoed this, advising cautious driving and sharing emergency numbers 100, 112, and 103 for immediate assistance. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is personally overseeing operations, with disaster management teams on standby across the city.

Airlines like IndiGo and Akasa Air issued travel advisories, warning of slow traffic en route to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport due to waterlogging on key routes. Western Railway deployed pumps at Dadar to keep tracks operational, while BEST buses continued without major diversions, showcasing Mumbai’s resilience.

Safety Precautions for Mumbaikars

To navigate this monsoon madness, here are critical precautions to stay safe:

• Stay Indoors: Avoid non-essential travel, especially in low-lying areas like Andheri, Kurla, and Byculla, prone to severe waterlogging.
• Avoid Coastal Areas: High tides pose risks at beaches and promenades; steer clear of Juhu Beach and Marine Drive.
• Plan Commutes: Check flight and train statuses early, allowing extra time for airport travel due to congested roads.
• Stay Informed: Monitor IMD updates and BMC advisories via their official X handles (@mybmc, @IndiaWeatherMan) for real-time alerts.
• Emergency Preparedness: Keep BMC’s helpline (1916) and Mumbai Police numbers (100, 112, 103) handy for quick assistance.
• Avoid Flooded Areas: Don’t wade through standing water, which may hide open manholes or carry electrical hazards.
• Secure Homes: Check for leaks, secure loose objects, and ensure drainage systems are clear to prevent water accumulation.

A Silver Lining

Amid the chaos, Mumbai’s seven lakes are brimming at 90% capacity, securing the city’s water supply for months ahead. Yet, the rains have also brought tragedy, with a cloudburst in Nanded’s Mukhed taluka and a landslide in Vikhroli claiming lives. As Mumbai battles this wettest spell of the season, expected to peak tonight with up to 400 mm of rainfall, the city’s grit shines through.

For the latest updates, follow BharatTone on X and stay vigilant. Mumbai’s monsoon may be fierce, but its people are fiercer. Stay safe, stay dry, and keep the spirit alive!