August 19, 2025: Mumbai was brought to a standstill after receiving nearly 300 mm of rainfall in just 54 hours, between August 17 and 19. The swelling Mithi river forced the evacuation of around 500 residents, while roads, railways, and flight operations were crippled by waterlogging. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the city received 37% of its average August rainfall during this short period.
On Tuesday alone, several areas recorded extreme downpours: Vikhroli East (268 mm), Marol (262 mm), Powai’s Passpoli (257 mm), Versova (250 mm), and F-South ward’s Forsbery reservoir (220 mm). In the western suburbs, Chincholi fire station logged 361 mm, Kandivali fire station 337 mm, and Dindoshi municipal school 305 mm. South Mumbai too witnessed heavy rainfall, with Dadar and Wadala reporting 300 mm and 282 mm respectively.
Meteorologists attributed the intensity to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal and strong monsoon winds. “The system has activated a trough extending from north Konkan to Kerala, causing very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall,” said S D Sanap, senior scientist at IMD Pune. The IMD issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Palghar, forecasting more intense rain.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “Mumbai has witnessed a record rainfall of nearly 300 mm. The city’s lifeline — suburban trains — has slowed down. The Mithi river reached the danger-level mark, and 400 to 500 persons had to be evacuated.”
Local train services on Central Railway’s main and harbour lines were suspended as water rose eight inches above the tracks in Sion and Kurla. Flights at Mumbai airport were delayed or diverted. Schools, colleges, and even the Bombay High Court were shut early.
With waterlogging across Borivali, Andheri, Sion, Dadar, Chembur, and Hindmata, Mumbai once again struggled to stay afloat under relentless monsoon fury.
Source: The Economic Times
