Mumbai: The heavy Mumbai rains have created havoc in the Metropolitan. Two people have died following a landslide in Vikhroli’s Surya Nagar. One person died and two were injured as a building collapsed in Varsha Nagar of Mumbai, as per the reports.
The chaos brought memories of a similar but bigger catastrophe in 2005 that killed more than 500 people. Authorities struggled to tackle the flooding complexes by the evening high tide that stopped the rainwater from draining out into the Arabian Sea.
The weather office issued a “Red” warning, indicating there could be more heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours, as the downpour flooded the railway system.
Mumbai’s central, Western and Harbour lines carry more than seven million commuters every day. Authorities said a rain-induced landslide damaged portions of the tracks.
Flights were delayed and at least six cancelled as runways of the airport were flooded. Officials at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport said heavy rain, strong winds, and poor visibility disrupted air traffic, as per a report by ANI.
Most schools in Mumbai were closed due to the celebrations of Ganeshostav. Maharashtra education minister Vinod Tawde instructed colleges and schools to remain shut on Wednesday as well.
“We are worried about infections … the rainwater is circulating rubbish that is now entering parts of the emergency ward,” said Ashutosh Desai, a doctor in the 1,800-bed hospital.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi too urged the people to stay safe and take essential precautions. He spoke to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and assured full central help to mitigate the situation.
For his part, President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted: “Thoughts with families, especially children, in Mumbai & western parts of the country hit by the heavy downpour.”
Voluntary groups worked with rescue teams, while Sikh and Jain temples, charities and Ganpati mandals provided food, water, and shelter to the stranded people.
Mumbai struggles with flooding from incessant monsoon rain every year. Unabated construction on floodplains and coastal areas, as well as storm-water drains and waterways clogged with plastic garbage and silt, has made the city increasingly vulnerable to floods.