Mumbai storms Downed trees and flooded underpasses disrupt traffic

Mumbai Storms: Downed Trees and Flooded Underpasses Disrupt Traffic Across City

*June 7, 2024 – Mumbai, India* — Heavy monsoon rainfall brought Mumbai to a near standstill on Friday, flooding underpasses, submerging streets, and toppling trees, causing massive disruptions to road and rail traffic.

The downpour, one of the season’s most intense spells so far, saw several neighborhoods grappling with waterlogged roads as the drainage system struggled to cope with the volume. As of the early evening, traffic congestion was reported city-wide, with motorists stranded for hours and public transport facing significant delays.

Fallen Trees Block Roads, Cause Delays

Mumbai’s fire brigade and disaster response teams were dispatched across the city to address dozens of incidents involving uprooted trees. In various localities, large trees fell across main streets and arterial roads, including several critical underpasses, creating bottlenecks for commuters and emergency vehicles alike.

Commuters described chaotic scenes, with traffic grinding to a halt as vehicles maneuvered around debris. Municipal teams used chainsaws and heavy equipment to clear trunks and branches, but the persistent rain made the job slow and hazardous.

Flooded Underpasses and Waterlogged Streets

Key underpasses—including those in Andheri, Sion, and Chembur—were inundated, creating further challenges for both vehicular and pedestrian movement. Several vehicles were reported stranded in knee-deep water, as heavy rain overwhelmed the existing drainage infrastructure.

Several major junctions, including the Sion Circle and Milan Subway, saw water accumulation reaching axle height in spots, forcing authorities to divert traffic and close certain routes temporarily. Local trains, a backbone of Mumbai’s public transport, operated at reduced frequency due to water on the tracks, resulting in packed platforms and extended waiting times for commuters.

Broader Weather Alerts Issued

Mumbai’s troubles come amid a wider weather alert by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which has predicted heavy rain and thunderstorms in more than ten states, including other major cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, and Goa. The IMD has warned residents in affected areas to stay alert and avoid non-essential travel during periods of intense rainfall.

In Bengaluru, similarly severe conditions have led to widespread flooding, with at least three reported deaths and over 500 homes inundated amid continuing rain. Authorities in both cities have urged residents to remain indoors wherever possible and take necessary precautions.

Official Response and Citizen Warnings

Municipal authorities in Mumbai and surrounding regions have assured that efforts are underway to clear obstructions, pump water out of critical zones, and restore normalcy as swiftly as possible. However, citizens are advised to monitor official traffic and weather advisories, and to avoid wading through flooded areas due to risk of electrocution or open manholes.

Urban planners and local officials have reiterated calls for sustainable solutions and infrastructure upgrades to manage Mumbai’s annual monsoon flooding, which continues to pose a significant challenge to residents, businesses, and travelers.

Ongoing Disruption Likely

As heavy rains are forecast to continue, further disruption to daily life in Mumbai and other major urban centers is expected over the weekend. Commuters are advised to plan journeys carefully, allow extra travel time, and heed updates from city authorities and the IMD.

For more updates on Mumbai’s weather and traffic situation, follow local news and official advisories.