Torrential rainfall lashed Mumbai on Tuesday, bringing the city to a near standstill as low-lying areas were submerged, local train services delayed, and road traffic severely disrupted. In response to the heavy downpour, authorities shut schools, colleges, and government offices, urging citizens to stay indoors.In the Nanded district of Maharashtra, seven persons travelling in an autorickshaw and a car got swept away on a flooded road, an official said.The incident occurred on Mukhed-Udgir Road around 1.40 am and local rescue teams managed to save three men, while a search was underway for a man and three women, he said.As many as 293 people have been rescued from flood-hit villages in the district, which received heavy rainfall over the last two days, the official said. Army personnel are also involved in the rescue operation in parts of the district.Teams from the state disaster response force have safely evacuated people from four villages as the rescue operation continued for the third consecutive day, the official said.The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced the closure of all government and semi-government offices, except essential services, as a precautionary measure following a red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Private establishments were advised to allow employees to work from home.In the 24 hours ending Tuesday morning, several areas recorded over 200 mm of rainfall, with Vikhroli in the eastern suburbs receiving the highest at 255.5 mm, followed by Byculla (241 mm), Juhu (221.5 mm), and Bandra (211 mm). Mahalaxmi saw the lowest at 72.5 mm.As per the data shared by the administration, Barhali and Mukramabad revenue circles recorded 354.8 mm and 206.8 mm of rainfall, respectively, on Monday alone. The rainfall in these two revenue circles led to the rise in the level of the Lendi River, which flooded a few surrounding villages. But the situation is currently under control, an official said.At least 225 people were evacuated from Ravangaon, 40 from Bhingoli, 10 from Baswadi and eight from Hasnal, he said. The official said that a unit of the Indian Army has set up a medical camp to treat flood-affected persons. At least eight flights were diverted, and many were delayed at the Mumbai airport as heavy rains battered the city. Airlines informed passengers about flight delays due to persistent rain, and low-visibility procedures were put in place intermittently.According to sources, six flights of IndiGo airlines and one each of SpiceJet and Air India were diverted to nearby airports, including Surat, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad.In the wake of the heavy rains, precautionary measures, including low-visibility procedures, have been put in place and airport operations were never halted at any point in time, the sources said.Air India, in a post on X, said that Mumbai is experiencing persistent rain, which may affect flight schedules.
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