Heavy Rains Paralyze Mumbai and Parts of Maharashtra Amid Red Alert

Mumbai and several surrounding districts in Maharashtra were brought to a standstill on August 18, 2025, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert warning for extremely heavy rainfall.

The alert covered key regions including Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Satara, Kolhapur, and Pune, while nearby areas were placed under an orange alert. Torrential downpours caused severe waterlogging across Mumbai, with major disruptions reported in areas like Sion, Matunga, and Vile Parle, where roads and low-lying zones were completely submerged. The Western Express Highway and several key city roads were choked with slow-moving traffic due to flooding.

In response to worsening conditions, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced the closure of all schools and colleges, including afternoon sessions, to ensure student safety. Many morning students were also dismissed early as a precaution.

 Public transport was significantly affected — suburban train services were delayed or suspended due to waterlogged tracks in places like Bandra and Andheri, while airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air issued travel advisories warning of flight delays and congestion at airports.

Emergency response teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the military, have been deployed in the worst-hit areas to carry out evacuations and assist local residents. In one notable incident, Matunga police rescued school children trapped in a flooded bus, safely escorting them home and providing food and support. With the IMD forecasting continued heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours, authorities are urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel and remain indoors.

This intense spell of monsoon rains has not only crippled daily life in Mumbai but also raised concerns about further flooding and damage in the days ahead. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are issuing regular updates to the public.