Mumbai, India – The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in Mumbai city and its suburbs on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, in response to a red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting extremely heavy rainfall. The decision, announced by the BMC’s District Disaster Management Authority, aims to ensure the safety of students amid severe weather conditions expected to batter the region.
The IMD’s red alert, signaling intense rainfall, covers Mumbai City and Suburbs, warning of potential disruptions due to the downpour. The BMC emphasized the closure applies to all government, private, and municipal educational institutions. To mitigate academic disruptions, some schools have opted to shift classes to online platforms.
Mumbai has already faced significant rainfall, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis noting that the city recorded 177 mm of rain in a six-to-eight-hour period on Monday. This deluge caused waterlogging in 14 locations, though traffic continued to move at most sites. The IMD predicts the heavy rainfall will persist, with a high tide expected to exacerbate conditions, prompting authorities to urge residents to avoid non-essential travel.
The BMC has mobilized its resources, with officials and staff actively managing critical infrastructure like drainage and pumping stations to minimize flooding risks. Fadnavis has instructed local bodies to remain vigilant, with relief and rescue operations ready to respond. Mumbai University has postponed 32 exams originally scheduled for Tuesday to August 23, ensuring students are not inconvenienced by the adverse weather.
Airlines, including IndiGo and Akasa Air, have issued advisories, recommending passengers allow extra travel time to navigate waterlogged routes to the airport. The BMC’s main control room (1916) remains available for assistance, as the city braces for continued heavy rainfall through Wednesday, August 20, 2025.