Mumbai gets brief rain break; schools and colleges shut, 'orange' alert in place
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall across several parts of the country, with heavy to extremely heavy showers expected in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh and other states as the southwest monsoon remains active.
Mumbai, which witnessed intense rainfall over the past two days, received a brief respite on Tuesday morning. However, the IMD has retained an Orange Alert for the city, warning of heavy to very heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds of up to 70 kmph. Schools and colleges in Mumbai remain closed as authorities continue monitoring the situation.
The heavy rain has severely affected normal life in Maharashtra. Train services on the Mumbai-Pune route were disrupted due to landslides in the ghat section, while several roads experienced waterlogging and traffic congestion. Rescue and restoration operations are underway in affected areas.
In Pune, where heavy rainfall has claimed multiple lives over the past two days, the IMD has also issued an Orange Alert. Schools and colleges have been shut as authorities remain on high alert following landslides, flooding and wall collapse incidents triggered by continuous rain.
The weather department has also warned of thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds in several northern, western and southern states over the next 24 hours. A low-pressure system associated with the active monsoon is expected to keep rainfall activity intense across large parts of the country.
Authorities have advised people to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from flooded roads, weak structures and landslide-prone areas, and follow official weather advisories as heavy rain is likely to continue in many regions.
