Heavy rains prompts citywide shutdown: Mumbai batters under 300 mm rainfall in 24 hours; 400 evacuated as Mithi River swells

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MUMBAI: Following extremely heavy rains that lashed Mumbai through Monday and Tuesday morning, the city’s top officials — Police Commissioner Deven Bharti and Guardian Minister MP Lodha — were at the civic headquarters on Tuesday morning to review the situation.Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani said several parts of the city recorded more than 300 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours ending 8 am on Tuesday. “Despite this, all civic machinery is on alert. In view of the red alert issued by the IMD, we had already declared a holiday for all schools and colleges. After discussions with the state government, on Tuesday we extended this to all government, semi-government and municipal offices.

Private offices have also been advised to allow employees to work from home to ease road traffic,” he said.Gagrani added that the water level of the Mithi River had risen to 3.9 metres due to the downpour and high tide. As a precaution, around 400 residents from low-lying areas of Krantinagar in Kurla were evacuated to the BMC’s temporary shelter at Maganlal Mathuram Municipal School, where food and basic facilities were arranged.

With the tide receding — the day’s high tide peaked at 3.75 metres at 9.16 am — the Mithi’s level had come down to 3.6 metres by late morning. Five NDRF teams have also been stationed across the city.“We are still appealing to people to take precautions. The next 12–24 hours may also bring heavy rainfall, and citizens should remain cautious,” Gagrani said.Police Commissioner Bharti said that Mumbai Police have been working round the clock to assist stranded commuters and divert traffic from waterlogged spots.

“Since a holiday was declared, road traffic pressure was lower. Wherever there was water accumulation, we ensured diversions to minimise disruption,” he said.Total 24 hour rainfall recorded in the period ending 8.30 am on August 19:

IMD Colaba:110.4 mm
IMD Santacruz: 238.2 mm
Thane: 223.73 mm
Navi Mumbai: 185.02 mm

Total 24 hour rainfall recorded in the period ending 10.30 am on August 19:

Kalyan: 146.4 mm
Bhiwandi: 113.7 mm
Ulhasnagar: 162.5 mm
Ambernath: 159 mm

Location wise rainfall recorded in the 24 hour period ending 8 am on August 19:Western Suburbs :

1. Chincholi, Malad – 361 mm
2. Kandivali – 337 mm
3. Dindoshi – 305 mm
4. Magathane – 304 mm
5. Versova – 240 mm

Mumbai City :

1. Dadar – 300 mm
2. Wadala – 282 mm
3. Parel– 265 mm
4. Sion – 252 mm
5. Worli – 250 mm

Eastern Suburbs :

1. Chembur – 297 mm
2. Vikhroli (west) – 293 mm
3. Powai – 290 mm
4. Mulund – 288 mm
5. Vikrohli (East) – 287 mm

Navi Mumbai:

Belapur - 188.20 mm
Nerul - 178.40 mm
Vashi - 179.10 mm
Koparkhairne- 191.40 mm
Airoli - 176.80 mm
Digha - 196.20 mm

Other important updates:BMC announced on social media X, "The India Meteorological Department has issued a Red Alert for very heavy rainfall in Mumbai city and suburbs on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, with continuous intense showers being recorded since morning. In view of the situation, the BMC, in its capacity as the District Disaster Management Authority, has declared a holiday for all government, semi-government and municipal offices, except those providing essential services.

Private offices, institutions and establishments across the city have been advised to direct their employees to work from home and to avoid stepping out unless absolutely necessary."

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