Mumbai experienced severe rainfall on Wednesday, leading to significant disruptions across the city and its suburbs. Heavy rains inundated low-lying areas, brought local train services to a halt, caused traffic congestion, and forced multiple flight diversions. Tragically, a 45-year-old woman, Vimal Anil Gaikwad, lost her life after falling into an open drain in Andheri.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was scheduled to visit Pune on Thursday, cancelled his trip due to the adverse weather conditions. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red alerts for Mumbai and surrounding regions, warning of continued heavy rainfall.

Several areas, including Kurla, Mulund, Chembur, and Vikhroli, faced severe waterlogging, leaving commuters stranded. Videos circulating on social media showed passengers walking on flooded tracks between Kurla and Thane. Despite the weather, the Western Railways reported that train services were running normally on the Western line, though delays affected the Harbour line services.

In addition to rail disruptions, Mumbai airport experienced significant delays, with 14 flights, including nine operated by IndiGo, diverted to airports in Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Goa, and Udaipur.

The city’s eastern suburbs also witnessed heavy rainfall, with Mulund recording the highest levels. A landslide was reported on the Mumbra bypass road in Thane, causing further traffic disruptions.

In response to the heavy rainfall, all schools and colleges under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) were closed on Thursday. The BMC urged residents to avoid leaving their homes unless absolutely necessary and asked commuters to monitor weather updates before travelling. Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad also saw school closures following the issuance of an orange alert in the region.

City officials have been mobilized to manage the crisis, with engineers stationed in ward control rooms, and de-watering pumps deployed to mitigate the flooding. Despite the rain subsiding early Thursday morning, authorities remain vigilant as weather conditions continue to pose a risk.

The IMD has predicted isolated heavy rainfall for Mumbai and neighboring areas, including Konkan, Goa, and central Maharashtra, until September 27.