Mumbai: Mumbai is on high alert as torrential rains leading to severe waterlogging and traffic disruptions across several areas. In response, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Mumbai, authorities have stepped in with urgent safety measures.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in the city today, August 18, including both government and private institutions.

The decision, announced by Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani, is aimed at ensuring the safety of students as the downpour shows no signs of easing.

“Considering the continuous rainfall since morning and prioritizing student safety, all schools and colleges scheduled to function in the second session, i.e., after 12 noon, will remain closed today,” the BMC stated in tweet on X.

The alert is likely to last until Tuesday, and the government urges citizens to take appropriate precautions.

Residents have been urged to step out only when absolutely necessary, as several parts of the city continue to report flooding and transport delays. The civic body has also shared its control room helpline number 1916 for citizens requiring assistance or official information.

Meanwhile, parents and guardians have been advised to remain cautious and follow updates from the IMD and BMC as weather conditions may remain unstable in the coming hours.

Mumbai: The city continues to reel under heavy monsoon showers as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed Mumbai and its adjoining districts under an orange alert until August 19, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places. Several districts including Raigad, Ratnagiri, Satara, Kolhapur, and Pune remain on red alert due to the likelihood of extremely heavy downpours.

On Monday morning, torrential rain slowed traffic on the Western Express Highway near Vile Parle and caused delays on Central and Harbour railway lines. Waterlogging was reported in areas like Nalasopara and Wadala, while a powerful rain band dumped nearly 80 mm of rain per hour over Bandra and South Mumbai.

Airlines including IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air issued advisories, urging passengers to plan airport travel in advance due to waterlogged roads leading to the airport.

Heavy rains have significantly increased Mumbai’s water stock, with the seven lakes supplying the city at 91.18% capacity as of August 18. Upper Vaitarna is at 87.13% capacity, while Modak Sagar is at 86.61%, having received 36 mm of rainfall. Tansa is nearly full at 98.81%, and Middle Vaitarna is at 97.34%. Bhatsa holds 89.82%. Vihar and Tulsi reservoirs are at 95.16% and 100%, respectively, with Tulsi Lake overflowing since August 16.

With a combined stock of 13.19 lakh million litres, the city now has a comfortable buffer, ensuring no immediate water shortage concerns despite the growing demand. For comparison, the total storage at this time last year was slightly higher at 93.04%.

However, officials warn that continued intense rainfall could lead to reservoir overflows and controlled releases from dams, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying areas. The IMD has cautioned residents to remain alert until August 19, as heavy showers in short bursts could aggravate waterlogging, affect transport, and slow down daily life in the city.

Mumbai has already received 64% of its annual average rainfall this season, with the eastern suburbs recording the highest at 1,534 mm so far. With two more days of high alert, the city remains under close watch.

Mumbai: The Mumbai airport customs officials arrested two passengers for allegedly smuggling hydroponic weed worth Rs8.56 crore from Bangkok. The accused, Mohammad Swail, 23, and Sameer Khan, 21, both residents of Uttar Pradesh, were intercepted on Saturday while crossing the green channel at T2, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, based on spot profiling.

Passengers Admit Possession of Hydroponic Weed

On searching their baggage, customs officers recovered packets containing green dry leafy substance, identified as flowering or fruiting tops of the cannabis plant, commonly called Hydroponic Weed, covered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act. A total of 8,562 grams of weed was seized. During questioning, both admitted knowledge, possession, concealment, and recovery of the narcotics. Investigations also revealed the involvement of other persons who are yet to be traced.

A customs official said efforts are underway to identify associates and determine who was to receive the consignment. Advocates Prabhakar Tripathi and Shubham Upadhyay argued in court that the accused were misled into carrying the baggage, believing it contained food items, and had no knowledge of the concealed drugs. Both were remanded to judicial custody.