Unceasing downpours for five consecutive days leave Mumbai crippled and struggling
Heavy Rain Disrupts Mumbai for Five Days, Causes Extensive Damage
Mumbai, India - Mumbai has experienced five consecutive days of heavy rain, leading to severe disruptions in public transport, extensive waterlogging, and substantial cumulative rainfall well above monthly averages.
Impact on Public Transport
Local trains faced delays of 15-20 minutes or more due to waterlogging on tracks and station flooding. Monorail services were stalled, with over 780 passengers rescued from stuck trains amid panic. Flight operations were disrupted as flooding affected the city and airport connectivity. Road transport was crippled with rampant waterlogging on main roads and residential areas, causing traffic jams and halting bus services.
Cumulative Rainfall
The heavy rain has resulted in significant cumulative rainfall. Mumbai's Santacruz station recorded 954 mm of rainfall in August 2025, making it the second-wettest August in the past decade after 2020, which had 1,240 mm. Over the five days, several pockets of Mumbai received over 300 mm of rain in 24-hour periods, with some areas cumulatively receiving more than 791 mm in just four days, nearly equaling the total July rainfall.
Weather Forecast
Following the intense downpour, the rainfall intensity is expected to decrease from August 21, according to official weather alerts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued multiple weather warnings during this period, including red and orange alerts as monsoon currents strengthened due to multiple weather systems acting together.
Additional Incidents
Nearly 350 people were moved from Kurla's Kranti Nagar to safer locations due to the high tide and swelling river. A massive tree fell on 10-12 autorickshaws on Bhandup Lake road, but fortunately caused no injuries. At least eight flights were diverted, and many were delayed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. An unidentified man went missing after falling into a nullah in Damu Nagar, Kandivali. Elphinstone Bridge was closed due to flooding at the Parel side.
The BMC temporarily evacuated residents in landslide-prone areas of Vikhroli, Suryanagar, and Khindipada. Vikhroli saw one of the highest quantum of rainfall over the day. Mumbai, Palghar, Thane, and Ratnagiri have been placed under an orange alert for Wednesday and a yellow alert for Thursday. Raigad continues to remain under red alert till Wednesday.
Affected Areas and Transport Services
The spots that recorded the highest rainfall included Vikhroli, Marol, Chakala, Andheri, Powai, Dadar, Sewri, Sion, and Wadala. Central Railway suspended its local train services on the harbour line between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Kurla stations due to a section of the tracks being submerged. The Andheri Subway and Malad Subway were shut due to flooding.
River Levels and Cumulative Rainfall
The high tide reached 3.75 metres at 9:16 am, causing the Mithi River to swell to dangerous levels. The cumulative rainfall recorded at the India Meteorological Department's (IMD's) Santacruz observatory in August so far is 954 mm, making it the second-wettest August Mumbai has seen in the last decade.
The IMD expects the rain to subside starting Wednesday, though vigilance remains due to continuing monsoon activity.
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