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Mumbai woke up to a torrential downpour on Monday morning, as rain showers soaked the city streets. The relentless rainfall, which began Sunday night, has caught residents off guard and disrupted their daily routines.
Weather Department Updates: Rainfall Numbers Revealed
As shared by the weather experts at the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai witnessed a considerable amount of rainfall.The Santa Cruz observatory recorded 36.9 mm of rain by Monday evening, while the coastal observatory at Colaba received 50.8 mm. Earlier in the day, Santacruz received 26 mm of rainfall, and Colaba saw 35 mm.
Detailed data from the automatic weather stations (AWS) installed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation highlights variations in rainfall across different parts of the city. The island city recorded 44 mm of rain, the eastern suburbs received 39 mm, and the western suburbs witnessed 32 mm of rainfall.
Yellow Alert Raised: Weather Department Cautions Residents
With heavy rainfall predicted, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai on July 17 and 18. This indicates the possibility of substantial rainfall. Residents are advised to exercise caution and take necessary precautions to stay safe. Furthermore, an orange alert has been issued for July 19, signaling the likelihood of very heavy rain.
Impact on Transportation and Low-Lying Areas
The incessant rain has led to waterlogging in several low-lying areas of Mumbai, causing inconvenience for commuters and pedestrians. In response, authorities have temporarily closed the Andheri subway at different times during the day, affecting both vehicular and pedestrian movement.
The IMD has extended the orange alert until Friday, July 21 for neighboring areas, including Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Pune. These regions are expected to face significant rainfall, prompting residents to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions.
Water Supply Concerns Mount
As the heavy rainfall continues, Mumbai’s water reserves in the seven lakes have reached 34% capacity. In light of this, civic officials have emphasized the need for a thorough assessment of the current water stock. A decision regarding the ongoing 10% daily water supply cut will be made following the review. The declining water reserves, which are currently below 50%, raise concerns about ensuring an adequate water supply for the city.
Mumbai residents are advised to exercise caution and be prepared for further rainfall in the coming days. The collective effort of authorities and citizens is crucial in mitigating the impact of the monsoon season and ensuring the well-being of all. Stay safe and take necessary precautions during this period of heavy rainfall.