The monsoon has officially made its entry into Delhi-NCR, bringing much-needed relief to residents who had been reeling under intense heat. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the monsoon reached the national capital two days earlier than the previously predicted date of July 4. Since early morning, the sky over Delhi and its surrounding areas remained overcast with dark clouds, followed by heavy rainfall in several localities. This early arrival has Notably lowered the temperature, providing a pleasant change in the weather conditions across the region.
Alerts Issued Across 12 States
While Delhi celebrates the arrival of rains, the weather department has issued serious alerts for 12 states across India for Thursday. These states include Maharashtra, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam. Also, heavy rainfall is expected in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and several northeastern states. The IMD has specifically warned of strong winds and thunderstorms accompanying the rain in these regions. In Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam, the situation is particularly concerning as rivers and drains are reportedly overflowing, leading to waterlogging in various low-lying areas.
Severe Weather Conditions in Maharashtra
Maharashtra is currently facing the brunt of the monsoon's fury. A Red Alert has been issued for Palghar and Thane districts, while an Orange Alert remains in place for Mumbai, while the authorities have urged citizens not to step out of their homes unless absolutely necessary. In Mumbai, the rainfall recorded overnight has been substantial. The city area recorded 134 mm of rain, while the eastern suburbs saw 164 mm and the western suburbs recorded 149 mm. These heavy spells have led to significant accumulation of water in several parts of the city.
Impact on Mumbai Infrastructure and Traffic
The heavy downpour has severely impacted daily life in Mumbai. Areas like Bandra and Juhu have seen roads completely submerged under water. In the Andheri area, the local subway had to be closed for traffic at 4 AM due to heavy waterlogging. Although the water levels eventually receded and traffic was resumed later, the initial disruption caused significant inconvenience. Similarly, water accumulation was reported at King's Circle, though traffic movement wasn't completely halted. In Kurla, low-lying areas are currently under water. Despite these challenges, the suburban rail services, which are the lifeline of the city, are reported to be running normally for now.
Incidents and Damage in Vasai-Virar and Thane
The intensity of the rain has led to dangerous situations in the outskirts of Mumbai. In the Vasai-Virar region, drains overflowed following torrential rain, leading to a dramatic incident where two cars were washed away like toys in the forceful current, while fortunately, the occupants of the vehicles managed to jump out in time, and no injuries were reported. However, the region has suffered considerable property damage. In Thane, the situation remains grim with 2 to 3 feet of water standing on the roads. This has caused many vehicles to stall in the middle of the streets, leading to massive traffic jams. The IMD's Red Alert for Thane highlights the potential for further heavy spells throughout the day.