 
Conditions of weather in the city Mumbai over the years have been severe. The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert today. Rains across the city had brought much havoc and resulted in all schools and colleges being shut down. In this blog, we will capture the latest updates of heavy rains in Mumbai, the impact of the red alert, and what citizens can expect in the coming hours.
What Caused the IMD Red Alert?
The IMD issued the red alert considering a combination of factors. Continuous heavy falls during the last few days caused the waterlogging in many parts of the city. In addition to the intensified rains, weather systems over the Arabian Sea contributed to the worsening conditions. As the clouds started building, the authorities realized the need for their immediate action. Very heavy rainfall is marked by a red alert-a situation that can very easily have the possibility of giving birth to dangerous landslides and flash floods. With such dangerous possibilities, the IMD acted on the active side that saw the protection of the residents and minimizing probable damage.
Schools and Colleges Closed as a Measure
The first step in the process was the closure of all schools and colleges. This was concluded by the authorities due to the need to protect the students and the staff. With rainwater-filled streets and public transport out of gear, commuting to education institutions has been a hazardous task. Authorities hope that by suspending classes, the travel will decrease among people in hazardous weather conditions. Moreover, the education department will continue to follow the situation, which will decide when to open up institutions.
The Present Scenario Across Mumbai
Mass flooding in Mumbai city has resulted in traffic jams and delays in various regions. It is the worst flooding in low-lying areas in the city, where several vehicles have been stalled as roads are flooded. The train service is also getting hit due to tracks that have been submerged. The flight schedule too has been delayed or diverted with reports of poor visibility and heavy rain. The BMC has even issued alerts to stay indoors and not travel unnecessarily.
Readiness Measures by Governments
The city administration did not waste any time in this situation. The BMC’s teams were sent out for draining major roads and junctions of water. Emergency services are on high alert. Fire and rescue teams are stationed at all points of the city. The hospitals have been advised to be on high alert for possible flood-related injuries. Also, the BMC has been giving weather alerts on social media and SMS to more responsive residents at regular intervals.
How Do Residents Respond?
Miraculous spirit of Mumbaikars in the face of such calamities. Increasingly, more are staying indoors due to advisories from the authorities concerned. Local communities unite to alleviate the problems arising due to the waterlogging and power cuts. Those residing in areas that witness worst flooding have evacuated themselves to higher ground. Social media is used in all possible ways to disseminate information as one groups updates traffic flows and flooded roads in real-time.
Interruptions in Travel and Obstacles to Commuting
The rain causes highly inconvenient problems for commuters. Central, Western, and Harbour lines of trains have been disrupted by delays. Because of this, many local trains were cancelled. Some long-distance trains had to be diverted because of this situation. Regular trains on Mumbai’s humongous network of local trains cannot continue their service without impediment. Road traffic has also come to a crawl with most arterial roads completely submerged. Buses and taxis are not coming either, and therefore, people are stranded throughout the city at numerous locations.
Safety Precautions for Citizens During Heavy Rainfall
As one will expect, safety comes first during heavy weather conditions. The citizens should try to avoid making unnecessary journeys and should stay indoors as much as possible. If you have to step out, you should wear rain apparel and be extremely cautious when crossing flooded roads. Furthermore, one should ensure to never walk over open manholes and standing water, as one may not see a potential risk. An individual must always keep important contact numbers that might be useful in emergencies at an easily accessible place and also obtain updates through the official communication tools, such as the BMC and IMD websites. Lastly, one must make sure that flashlights, mobile chargers, and first aid kits are kept in place in case of power cuts or emergencies.
Long-Term Solutions for Mumbai’s Flooding Problem
Problems of flooding in Mumbai are more multi-faceted in nature. The rain during monsoons is so immense that the old drainage system is unable to handle it. Excessive urbanization and the destruction of wetlands and mangroves as part of natural water draining systems also add to these issues. The city thus needs answers to these problems which should include changes in drainage system, better flood management, and sustainable plans for cities. Authorities need to work on the planning to avoid similar issues in the future.
Conclusion: Mumbai stands tall in the storm.
The red alert issued by IMD rightly showcases the intensity of the current situation over the weather of Mumbai. Schools and colleges are already shut in the city and as people find themselves busy being updated on their dairies so there is no cause for the rest of the citizens to not be safe while being updated. While the city will have to face the storm anyhow, Mumbaikars have been raising hopes every time the city is going to face some extreme challenges. While authorities are still working hard in order to manage the crisis so the people must be vigilant simultaneously and adhere to the safety guidelines. This is where, together, Mumbai will really get stronger as it has always done.
It will always save the residents from dangers and hazards by being updated with advisories or warnings or staying cautious in relation to the possibility of intense rain showers and the like. United and safe, we all will keep going through the hard times that will bring us closer together.
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