Key Points: – Schools shut in Mumbai, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts
– Around 50 flights canceled
– Severe waterlogging and disrupted train services
– NDRF teams deployed to prevent flood-like situations
In the predawn hours of Monday, Mumbai was besieged by a torrential downpour, plunging the city and its suburbs into chaos. IMD reported heavy rainfall thrashing the bustling metropolis from 2:30 AM to 5:30 AM, escalating from 40.9mm to a staggering 210.9mm. The resulting deluge inundated multiple areas, crippling railway services and compounding the daily struggles of countless commuters.
More heavy showers coming from south first for South & Central Mumbai then other parts of the city. #MumbaiRains
— Mumbai Rains (@IndiaWeatherMan) July 8, 2024
Mumbai Faces Heavy Rainfall:
Heavy rainfall hit Mumbai and surrounding areas early on July 8, causing significant disruptions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted more heavy rains and a high tide.

Schools Closed:
In response to the downpour, the Maharashtra state government declared a holiday for all schools in Mumbai, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts. Maharashtra School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar made this announcement in the state legislative council.
Flight Cancellations:
The heavy rains led to the cancellation of about 50 flights. Both IndiGo and Vistara Airlines issued advisories to passengers, recommending them to check their flight status and allow more time to reach the airport due to traffic congestion caused by the weather.
Disrupted Train Services:
Local train services on the Central Railway were severely impacted. Waterlogging on the tracks at various stations led to significant delays. The Central Railway Public Relations Officer reported that train services were halted at Sion and between Bhandup and Nahur stations due to water levels above the tracks. Services resumed after the water receded, but operations remained slow. The Western Railway managed to keep its suburban section operational by using high-capacity water pumps to clear the tracks. They assured commuters via social media that they were closely monitoring the situation to maintain smooth operations.
NDRF Deployment:
To avert flood-like situations, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed teams to critical areas in Mumbai. So Mumbai’s infrastructure faced a tough challenge due to the intense rainfall, but efforts from various authorities, including railway staff and NDRF teams, helped manage the situation. Residents are advised to stay informed about weather updates and travel advisories.

In the early hours of Monday, Mumbai was engulfed by an onslaught of intense rainfall, severely disrupting life across the city and suburbs. According to the IMD, heavy downpours pummeled the bustling metropolis from 2:30 AM to 5:30 AM, with rainfall totals surging from 40.9mm to a staggering 210.9mm during this period. This deluge led to widespread waterlogging in various areas and significantly disrupted railway operations, exacerbating the daily commute for countless residents.
Government officials and legislators, including Maharashtra Minister Eknath Shinde and NCP MLCs, found themselves navigating waterlogged railway tracks, underscoring the dire conditions faced by commuters. At Mantralaya, the hub of Maharashtra’s government, Chief Minister Shinde convened emergency meetings to assess the situation, while the BMC’s disaster management control room worked tirelessly to mitigate the flooding’s impact.
Amidst the crisis, BJP MLA Ashish Shelar demanded accountability for the inadequate cleaning of drainage systems, highlighting shortcomings in preparation for the monsoon season. As heavy rains persisted, both houses of the Maharashtra legislature were forced to adjourn, underscoring the extensive disruption caused by the inclement weather.
Despite forecasts suggesting a potential respite with light to moderate showers in the hours ahead, the city remained vigilant, anticipating further challenges from Mumbai’s unpredictable monsoon season.