Mumbai witnessed widespread disruption on Saturday as incessant rainfall flooded roads, triggered cave-ins, uprooted trees, disrupted transport services and damaged infrastructure across the city. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a Red Alert for Sunday, authorities have urged citizens to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary.
One of the most significant incidents occurred on LBS Marg near Asian Paints in Bhandup (West), where a nearly 100 ft x 100 ft section of road collapsed at an excavation site. The cave-in uprooted nearby trees and caused a vehicle to fall into the pit. The Mumbai Fire Brigade immediately cordoned off the area and launched rescue operations. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The heavy rain also exposed concerns over civic infrastructure after a section of the newly inaugurated Juhu-Versova Link Road sank by nearly two feet when a BMC garbage truck passed over it. A crane was later deployed to recover the stranded vehicle.
According to the BMC, 64 incidents of tree and branch falls were reported across Mumbai, including damage to property at Dadar flower market and parked vehicles in Matunga, where one woman sustained minor injuries.
Severe waterlogging forced the closure of the Andheri, Malad, Milan and Poisar subways, while several areas—including Chembur, Kurla, Powai, Saki Naka, Vile Parle, Goregaon East, Dahisar and Bhandup—reported flooded roads. The overflowing Mogra nullah and submerged arterial roads significantly slowed vehicular movement.
Western Railway services were delayed by 20–25 minutes due to waterlogged tracks near Vasai and Nalasopara, while several BEST bus routes were diverted. Schools and colleges across Mumbai suspended afternoon classes, and the University of Mumbai postponed examinations in Palghar district.
A portion of a residential structure collapsed in Govandi, injuring a woman, while another person suffered an electric shock in Dahisar. No fatalities were reported.
Since July 1, Santacruz has recorded 638.4 mm of rainfall, while Colaba received 483.2 mm. Ram Mandir recorded the highest rainfall at 206.5 mm. The BMC deployed over 10,000 personnel, 448 dewatering pumps and 19 mini pumping stations to manage the situation.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appealed to residents to avoid unnecessary travel as disaster management teams remained on high alert. With the IMD forecasting more extremely heavy rainfall, Mumbai is preparing for another challenging day of monsoon conditions.
Source: Mumbai Mirror
