Mumbai schools and colleges closed as IMD issues red alert for heavy rains in Thane, Palghar and nearby districts

Mumbai rains 2025: Educational institutions in several districts of Maharashtra remained closed on Tuesday after a red alert was issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) due to heavy rainfall.

The alert, applicable for August 18 and 19, prompted authorities to declare holidays for schools and colleges in the affected regions.The closure impacted institutions in Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts. The decision was taken as a precautionary measure in view of the expected adverse weather conditions and waterlogging in several low-lying areas, as per official announcements.Red alert issued by IMD for parts of coastal MaharashtraThe IMD issued a red alert indicating extremely heavy rainfall likely over parts of Maharashtra's Konkan region, particularly in Thane and Palghar districts. A red alert is the highest level of weather warning, signifying the possibility of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 204.5 mm in 24 hours.As per IMD’s bulletin, “Widespread rainfall with isolated heavy to very heavy and extremely heavy falls is very likely over Konkan and Goa.”

The department also warned of potential waterlogging, flooding, and traffic disruptions.Schools and colleges closed in five districtsAuthorities in multiple districts acted on the IMD alert by declaring a one-day holiday for schools and colleges on Tuesday. According to officials, educational institutions in Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts remained shut.The district administrations of Thane and Palghar confirmed the decision to suspend educational activities in view of the IMD forecast.

As reported by The Indian Express, the order was issued to ensure the safety of students and staff.In a public statement, the Thane district administration said, “Given the red alert issued by IMD and in view of public safety, all schools and colleges will remain closed on Tuesday.” The Palghar district collector issued a similar directive, advising residents to remain indoors unless necessary.Precautionary measures taken by authoritiesLocal authorities also initiated preventive steps such as monitoring of water levels in rivers and deploying rescue teams in vulnerable areas.

Disaster response units were placed on standby, and civic officials were instructed to stay alert during the period of heavy rainfall.Emergency helplines were activated across the affected districts, and residents were advised to stay updated with local announcements. Municipal corporations also carried out de-silting work in drains and increased patrolling in areas prone to flooding.Public transport services affected in some regionsWhile there was no complete disruption in transport services, local train and road transport in parts of Mumbai Metropolitan Region, particularly in Thane and Palghar, witnessed delays due to waterlogging. Commuters were advised to plan their travel with caution.As per the latest updates from the IMD, weather conditions are expected to remain under observation, and further alerts will be issued as needed.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.