Mumbai rains: One dead in waterfall, city flooded, traffic hit
At least one person died when water levels at the Chinchoti waterfall in Vasai, Mumbai, rose suddenly after heavy rains. Over 100 were rescued, NDTV reported. In the city, roads were waterlogged, traffic stopped moving, and train services were delayed after intense downpour. The situation is likely to get worse, IMD has predicted. Heavy to very heavy showers are expected till Wednesday.
According to DNA, in the last 24 hours, Mumbai has received around 55mm of rainfall. The Eastern and Western Suburbs recorded 133mm and 112mm respectively. Andheri, Kurla, Milan, Sion and King's Circle were among the worst affected areas. People were seen wading through knee-deep waters. A car was washed away in Andheri. The BMC has predicted a 3.59m-high tide this evening.
Bharat Cafe. Ghatkopar. #MumbaiRains Business as usual. pic.twitter.com/16cEfIlRKs
— R. Balakrishnan (@BalakrishnanR) July 8, 2018
As precaution, lifeguard chairs have been arranged at all six beaches of Mumbai, along with sirens, public address systems, ring boys and life-jackets. After a brief closure, the Ghatkopar railway overbridge has been opened only for light vehicles. But Firstpost reports cracks were seen on the bridge. Mumbai Police issued more traffic guidelines, especially for commuters travelling from the airport and from Sahar Road/Andheri East, DNA reported.
In view of bad weather/heavy rains, Mega block on Up local line between Vidyavihar - Byculla from 11.20 to 16.20 hrs has been cancelled.
— Central Railway (@Central_Railway) July 8, 2018
However, mega block on up and down harbour line between Kurla - Vashi will be operated as per schedule.
Yesterday too, heavy rains lashed parts of Mumbai and neighboring Navi Mumbai and Kalyan. At least three people died: two unidentified bodies were fished out of a river in Kalyan in the afternoon, while a woman died of electrocution in Ghatkopar. Last week, a part of the Gokhale Road overbridge connecting Andheri East and West stations collapsed amid heavy showers.
"The intensity of rainfall is expected to increase over Mumbai and surrounding areas as the low-pressure system on the east coast is likely to intensify the offshore trough extending from Gujarat to Kerala, leading to heavy to very heavy rainfall till Wednesday," IMD said.
