Normal life in Mumbai was thrown out of gear on Friday as torrential rains battered the city and its suburbs resulting in cancellation of local train services leaving thousands of commuters stranded.
For many, it was a reminder of July 26, 2005 when Mumbai was clogged due to rain.
There seems to be no let up in the situation with the Meteorological Department predicting heavy to very heavy monsoon rains in some areas.
In the early hours, thousands of commuters leaving for offices were caught unaware on reaching the suburban railway stations as trains were being cancelled due to water-logging of tracks following heavy downpour since last night.
As services on all three railway lines–Central, Western and Harbour–were cancelled, harried commuters rushed to catch buses, taxis or any other mode of transport available to reach their destinations, which resulted in massive traffic jams at many places, exacerbated by inundation in low-lying areas.
According to information given by the control room of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), water-logging is reported in areas like Kurla, Chembur, Tilak Nagar, Andheri, Parel, Lower Parel, Thane, Navi Mumbai and Dombivili.
An IMD forecast at 0800 hours today said, “Intermittent rains/shower would occur in the city and suburbs. Heavy to very heavy rains would occur in some areas.”
According to a statement issued by BMC, as many as 120 suction pumps have been pressed into service to drain out water in low-lying areas.
Meanwhile, Civic Commissioner Ajoy Mehta appealed to citizens to not send their wards to school as heavy rains are predicted.
Sources said long distance trains are bunched up outside Mumbai as they are not getting signal to enter the city due to water-logging.
