MUMBAI: Mumbai finally witnessed the full arrival of the southwest monsoon after a prolonged delay, but the much-needed rainfall soon turned into a major challenge for India’s financial capital. Heavy overnight showers flooded roads, submerged underpasses and disrupted normal life across several parts of the city.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued weather alerts for Mumbai and neighbouring regions, warning residents about continued heavy rainfall and urging people to remain cautious while travelling.
Severe waterlogging hits multiple areas
Several low-lying areas experienced significant water accumulation after continuous rain overnight.
Visuals from different parts of Mumbai showed roads submerged under water, vehicles moving slowly through flooded streets and commuters struggling to reach their destinations. Areas around Saki Naka Metro station, Andheri and other central locations were among the worst affected.
Authorities also temporarily restricted access to some flooded stretches to avoid accidents and ensure public safety.
Andheri underpass becomes a major concern
The Andheri underpass once again emerged as one of the city’s biggest trouble spots during heavy rainfall.
Officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) stationed personnel at the location to stop motorists from entering dangerous waterlogged sections.
Despite repeated warnings, some auto-rickshaw drivers attempted to cross the submerged underpass, resulting in vehicles getting stranded. In one incident, civic officials had to rescue a driver after his vehicle became trapped in rising water levels.
BMC teams remained deployed throughout the affected areas to monitor conditions and divert traffic wherever necessary.
Flooded subway closed for public safety
The Everard Nagar subway was shut temporarily after heavy rainfall made the route unsafe for commuters.
Officials said restricting public access was necessary to prevent accidents as water levels continued to rise in several locations.
Emergency response teams remained active while civic workers worked to clear drainage systems and pump out accumulated water.
Traffic movement severely affected
Heavy rain significantly slowed traffic movement across Mumbai.
Office-goers, students and daily commuters faced delays due to flooded roads and congestion at several intersections. Public transport services also experienced disruptions as authorities monitored vulnerable zones.
The rainfall highlighted once again the annual monsoon challenges Mumbai faces despite ongoing infrastructure improvements.
Rainfall figures recorded across the city
According to IMD observations, multiple weather stations recorded substantial rainfall.
Key rainfall data included:
- Colaba recorded 49 mm of rainfall in 24 hours.
- Santacruz registered 12 mm during the same period.
- Byculla received 42.5 mm.
- Sion recorded 21.5 mm.
- Mahalaxmi received 18 mm.
- Bandra registered 17 mm.
- Ram Mandir recorded 13 mm.
- Vidyavihar received 5.5 mm.
- Vikhroli registered 5 mm.
These figures indicate uneven but widespread rainfall activity across Mumbai.
One of Mumbai’s latest monsoon arrivals in decades
This year’s monsoon arrival has entered Mumbai’s weather history books.
The city officially received the monsoon nearly 13 days later than its usual June 11 arrival date. Meteorologists say the June 24 onset ranks among the latest recorded arrivals since 1951.
Historical records show only a few years experienced similar delays, including 1959, 2019 and 2022, when the monsoon arrived on June 25.
The delayed onset was linked to weaker atmospheric conditions over the Arabian Sea earlier this month before favourable systems strengthened over western India.
More rain expected over the coming days
Weather officials have warned that rainfall activity is likely to continue over Mumbai and parts of Maharashtra over the next few days.
Authorities have advised residents to:
- Avoid travelling through waterlogged roads.
- Stay away from flooded underpasses.
- Follow official traffic advisories.
- Keep emergency contacts handy.
- Remain indoors during intense rainfall spells whenever possible.
Meteorologists say active monsoon conditions are expected to persist as moisture-laden winds continue strengthening over Maharashtra, increasing the likelihood of further showers and localized flooding.
