At Least 16 Killed In Mumbai Due To Heavy Rain, Flights And Trains Diverted As City Halts

Continuous rains have thrown Mumbai completely out of gear. People are unable to reach their work places as most of the streets are chocked with waterlogging. According to reports, at least 16 people have been killed overnight in Mumbai and Thane as heavy rains continue to lash most parts of Maharashtra.?

Most of these deaths were reportedly due to wall collapses. At least three such cases have been reported from across Mumbai and Thane in the past twelve hours.

BCCL

Meanwhile, most of Mumbai continues to remain paralyzed due to the rains which have been battering the city for days. It is said to be the second highest 24-hour rain in Mumbai since 1975. The highest has been during the deluge year of 2005. Most of the roads are waterlogged, making it infeasible for vehicular traffic.

The situation is no different when it comes to the railways. The heavy rains and flooding have submerged most of the railway network, making it impossible to operate. Many trains from and through Mumbai have been diverted to other places.?

BCCL

The flight operations in Mumbai airport has also been hit by the rains. The main runway has been closed for the day after a SpiceJet flight overshot its mark while landing amid heavy rainfall. A secondary runway is operational but flights are likely to be delayed.

"Spicejet SG 6237 Jaipur-Mumbai flight overshoots runway while landing at Mumbai Airport. All passengers are safe, no injuries reported," a spokesperson for the airline said in a statement.

As many as 54 flights to be diverted to nearby airports like Ahmedabad, Goa, and Bengaluru. Domestic airlines have posted messages on social media warning people of cancellation and delays.?

With more heavy rains predicted during the day, the government has declared a public holiday.

AFP

“Due to heavy rain forecast in Mumbai even today by IMD, People are advised to stay indoors unless there is any emergency,” Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis? tweeted.

The city is set for more downpours in the next 24 to 48 hours. The Regional Meteorological Centre has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Mumbai city and its suburbs.

Private weather forecaster Skymet said Mumbai is at "serious risk of flooding" between July 3 and 5, warning that "close to 200 mm or more rain per day is likely during this period".