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Mumbai reels under relentless monsoon downpours as the IMD issues a red alert. A monorail train stalls due to overcrowding and power failure, prompting Chief Minister Fadnavis to order an inquiry. Read the full coverage.
Mumbai Rains Upheaval: Monorail Stranded, Red Alert Issued
- IMD Sounds Red Alert Across Mumbai
- Monorail Breakdown Sparks Rescue and Inquiry
- Chaos on Roads, River Evacuations, and Offices Shut
- Government Response and Citizen Advisory
Mumbai Rains Upheaval: Monorail Stranded, Red Alert Issued
IMD Sounds Red Alert Across Mumbai
Mumbai and its surrounding districts are gripped by severe monsoon deluge. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai for the third consecutive day, warning of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Surrounding districts—such as Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg—also face heightened alert levels. Santacruz recorded over 200 mm of rain within 24 hours, while Vikhroli registered a staggering 255.5 mm, underscoring the intensity of the downpour.
Monorail Breakdown Sparks Rescue and Inquiry
In the midst of this chaos, two overcrowded monorail trains stalled mid-air between stations—one between Mysore Colony and Bhakti Park, another between Acharya Atre and Wadala. Combined, over 700 passengers were rescued: 582 from the first train and 200 from the second. Many passengers complained of suffocation, and snorkel cranes and jumping sheets were deployed during the rescue to ensure safety.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis promptly ordered a formal inquiry into the incident, emphasizing that passenger safety remained the top priority. He reassured the public via social media that evacuation efforts were underway and urged calm. The train overload—exceeding its capacity limit—was cited as a key trigger, compounded by a power supply issue that ultimately halted operations.
Chaos on Roads, River Evacuations, and Offices Shut
Meanwhile, Mumbai’s drainage systems were overwhelmed. The Mithi River approached the danger mark of 4.2 meters, peaking at 3.9 meters, triggering evacuations from low-lying slum areas. About 400 residents were moved to Maganlal Mathuram Municipal School, repurposed as a relief center. Flooded roads, inundated neighbourhoods like Dadar, Chembur, and Matunga, and stalled services transformed city life into turmoil.
As a precautionary response, BMC and civic government offices declared a holiday for non-essential staff and advised remote work. That said, Mumbai schools remained open, while institutions in Thane, Panvel, Navi Mumbai, and Lonavala were closed due to severe conditions.
Government Response and Citizen Advisory
Authorities mobilized multiple agencies to manage the crisis. The Mumbai Fire Brigade, MMRDA, NDRF, and local civic bodies coordinated rescue and relief operations, ensuring safe evacuation and medical aid. The BMC issued emergency helpline numbers and debunked false rumors, especially regarding school closures. Despite extensive disruption, monorail operations have since resumed, and suburban train services are being restored as water levels subside.
In summary, relentless monsoon rains have pushed Mumbai into a severe crisis—transport systems crippled, infrastructure overwhelmed, but authority response and citizen resilience remain steadfast. The ordered inquiry into the monorail incident and robust rescue coordination reflect a determination to address both immediate threats and structural vulnerabilities.
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