Mumbai continues to face significant disruptions due to persistent monsoon rains, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert for August 20, forecasting heavy rainfall across the city. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has clarified that no official order has been issued to close schools and colleges on Wednesday, refuting a viral social media post claiming otherwise. The false message, circulated widely on platforms like WhatsApp, suggested a holiday for educational institutions due to a supposed red alert. The BMC, in a late-night post on X, labeled the claim as “fake” and urged residents to rely on official channels for accurate updates.
Heavy rainfall has battered Mumbai for days, with Vikhroli recording 223.5 mm of rain in the 24 hours ending at 5:30 AM on August 20, followed by Santacruz with 206.6 mm and Byculla with 184.0 mm, according to IMD data. The deluge has caused widespread waterlogging, particularly in low-lying areas like Sion’s Gandhi Market, and disrupted rail and air travel. A monorail incident near Chembur’s Mysore Colony station left over 200 passengers stranded due to overcrowding, prompting a swift rescue operation. Several passengers received on-site treatment for suffocation, with one admitted to Sion Hospital. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured the public that an investigation into the incident is underway.
The BMC has deployed 540 dewatering pumps to mitigate flooding, pumping out 1,645.155 crore liters of rainwater between August 16 and 19, an effort equivalent to double the capacity of Tulsi Lake. The IMD predicts continued showers until August 21, prompting authorities to advise residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay vigilant. Relief measures, including shelters, are in place for flood-affected areas, with ongoing rescue operations across Maharashtra. Residents are encouraged to follow official advisories for updates on weather conditions and potential school closures.