Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 21: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a red alert for Mumbai and adjoining districts of Thane, Palghar, Raigad and Ratnagiri as heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms lashed the region since Tuesday night.

Residents have been strictly advised to remain indoors, avoid flood-prone areas and exercise caution while travelling.

Airlines operating from Mumbai airport have issued advisories warning passengers of delays and traffic congestion on key routes due to waterlogging.

Train services continue to be hit badly. Multiple local train operations have been suspended after several tracks were submerged.

On Tuesday evening, a major rescue operation was undertaken after two overcrowded Monorail trains got stranded on elevated tracks amid torrential rains. As many as 782 passengers were safely evacuated.

According to officials, several suburbs of Mumbai recorded over 200 mm rainfall in just 21 hours ending 5:30 am Wednesday.

Maharashtra Disaster Management Department confirmed six fatalities in the past 24 hours due to rain and flood-related incidents across the state.

In Pune, authorities have extended a red alert for the next two days, particularly in the Ghat regions, as continuous downpour threatens fresh flooding.