Mumbai: After days of relentless monsoon downpours, Mumbai experienced a welcome respite on Thursday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting lighter rainfall. Schools, colleges, offices, banks, and shops resumed normal operations, signaling a return to routine life across the city. Local train services, the backbone of Mumbai’s transport network, were back on track, providing relief to commuters.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed that no holiday was declared for educational institutions in Mumbai, debunking a viral social media message claiming school closures due to a supposed red alert. The BMC clarified, “The message circulating about closure of schools and colleges in Mumbai on August 20 is fake,” urging residents to rely on official channels for updates. However, the Lonavala Municipal Council announced a two-day school holiday on August 20 and 21 due to heavy rainfall in the region.
While Mumbai saw no significant waterlogging on Thursday, nearby areas like Thane and Palghar faced challenges. The IMD issued an orange alert for Mumbai, Palghar, and Raigad, indicating moderate to heavy rainfall, while Thane remained under a red alert due to severe flooding risks. In Nashik, water released from the Gangapur Dam led to flooding in parts of the city, as rivers swelled following intense showers.
On Tuesday, Mumbai’s Santacruz observatory recorded 200 mm of rainfall in 24 hours, with some areas like Chincholi in Malad seeing over 350 mm, causing significant disruptions. The BMC set up temporary shelters, such as one at a municipal school in Kranti Nagar, to aid those affected by waterlogging. No flight disruptions were reported on Thursday, though airlines had previously issued advisories due to congestion and waterlogged roads.
As Mumbai recovers, the IMD predicts heavy rainfall may continue in parts of Maharashtra until Friday, urging residents to stay vigilant.
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