Mumbai received a record rainfall of nearly 300 mm, while a rise in the Mithi river level triggered evacuation of 400-500 people as the second straight day of downpour on Tuesday severely disrupted road, rail traffic and crippled normal life.Flooded streets which resembled rivers at several places, stranded commuters and vehicles struggling to navigate the inundated roads once again highlighted the financial capital’s annual challenge in dealing with the monsoon rains.
Commuters faced severe hardship as local train services of the Central Railway were disrupted on its main and harbour lines due to submergence of tracks due to torrential rains, while flight operations, too, were affected.
At some places, rail tracks were submerged under as much as 17 inches of water, officials said.
At least eight flights were diverted and many were delayed at the Mumbai airport. Airlines informed passengers about flight delays due to persistent rain, and low-visibility procedures were put in place intermittently.
According to sources, six flights of IndiGo and one each of SpiceJet and Air India were diverted to nearby airports, including Surat, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad.
“Mumbai has witnessed a record rainfall of nearly 300 mm. The city’s lifeline — suburban trains — have slowed down. The Mithi river (which runs through Mumbai) reached the danger-level mark and 400 to 500 persons had to be evacuated,” Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told reporters after the weekly cabinet meeting.