Mumbai on red alert: BMC urges residents to stay indoors as heavy rain disrupts city life

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall over the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, prompting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to urge residents to remain indoors unless travel is absolutely necessary.

The civic body warned that strong winds of 80 to 90 kmph are expected and advised citizens to stay away from trees, dilapidated buildings, hoardings, electric poles and other potentially dangerous structures. It also urged people not to park vehicles under trees and to avoid visiting the seashore or low-lying areas vulnerable to flooding.

In an advisory posted on X, the BMC appealed to residents not to believe rumours and to rely only on information issued through official channels.

The civic body also asked people to follow all instructions issued by the administration and disaster management authorities. In case of emergencies, citizens have been advised to contact the BMC's helpline number 1916 for immediate assistance.

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According to the BMC, nearly 15,000 officials and personnel from the municipal corporation and various government agencies have been deployed across the city and are working round the clock. Senior officials are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating emergency response measures.

The civic body stressed that public safety remains its top priority and urged residents to strictly follow advisories issued by both the BMC and the Mumbai Police.

Continuous overnight rainfall has led to widespread flooding and severe waterlogging across several parts of Mumbai. Major trouble spots, including the Andheri Milan Subway, Kurla, Chunabhatti, Ghatkopar and Sion's Pratiksha Nagar, have been inundated, causing significant disruption.

Residents have been forced to wade through waist-deep water in several areas as heavy rain brought normal life to a standstill. In view of the IMD's warning, authorities have declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in Mumbai.

Rail services on the Central, Western and Harbour lines have also been disrupted due to waterlogging and persistent rainfall.

The BMC has received more than 400 complaints related to fallen trees and collapsing branches from across the city.

The situation has also sparked criticism after fatalities caused by falling trees were reported in Chembur, Kurla and Aarey Colony. Citizens and activists have alleged that inadequate maintenance and delayed implementation of safety audits have left dangerous trees and overhead branches posing a continued risk to residents and commuters.

With inputs from IANS