Mumbai, India’s financial capital, is once again facing nature’s wrath as relentless rainfall continues to batter the city, forcing shutdowns, stranding commuters, and raising significant concerns of widespread flooding. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued high tide alerts, warning that a combination of rising sea levels and intense downpours could further cripple the city’s infrastructure.
High Tide Adds to the Deluge
According to the BMC’s latest advisory, the city is expected to witness multiple high tides over the next 48 hours, making it increasingly difficult for rainwater to drain into the sea. When high tides align with heavy rainfall, Mumbai’s antiquated drainage systems are overwhelmed, leading to severe waterlogging in major low-lying areas.
Prominent locations like Marine Drive, Worli Seaface, and Versova are being monitored closely as crashing waves threaten to spill over into roadways. The BMC has urged citizens to avoid venturing near the coast and refrain from unnecessary travel during the high tide periods.
Red Alert Issued: IMD Forecasts ‘Extremely Heavy Rain’
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed Mumbai and surrounding districts under a red alert, warning of “extremely heavy rainfall” (over 204 mm) in isolated areas. Meteorologists report that a low-pressure area over the Arabian Sea, coupled with strong monsoonal currents, is fueling the intense weather.
In the last 24 hours alone, areas like Kurla, Byculla, and Vikhroli received between 230 mm to 300 mm of rainfall, flooding homes, paralyzing public transport, and disrupting daily life.
BMC Orders Closures, WFH for Offices
In response to the worsening conditions, the BMC has declared a public holiday for all government and semi-government offices on August 19, 2025, except for those involved in essential and emergency services. Private companies have been requested to allow employees to work from home.
Educational institutions across Mumbai and suburbs remain shut, with examinations postponed. The BMC also confirmed that emergency rescue teams are on standby and that temporary shelters have been set up in community centers and schools for those displaced by flooding.
Transport in Turmoil
Mumbai’s famous local train network, which carries over 8 million people daily, continues to run but faces significant delays. Train services on both Western and Central lines are operating at reduced speeds due to water on the tracks, and suburban stations are packed with stranded commuters.
The Mumbai International Airport has reported delays in both domestic and international flights, citing low visibility and runway waterlogging. Several airlines have issued travel advisories asking passengers to check the flight status before leaving for the airport.
Waterlogging in Key Flood-Prone Areas
Despite several flood-mitigation projects initiated in the past few years, many familiar trouble spots in the city have once again been inundated. Hindmata, King’s Circle, and Dadar TT—locations that were retrofitted with underground water tanks and upgraded drainage—have reported knee-deep water, triggering traffic jams and breakdowns.
Ironically, these were the very zones where crores of rupees were spent on flood control measures. The recurrence of flooding has sparked criticism from residents and urban planners, questioning the BMC’s preparedness and maintenance protocols.
Human Impact and Rescue Operations
Over 400 residents from slum areas near the Mithi River and Dahisar have been relocated to safer locations as river levels rose to dangerous heights. Officials fear that if rainfall continues overnight, low-lying zones could see more forced evacuations.
So far, two deaths have been reported this week, including a man who fell into an open drain and another struck by a falling tree. One person remains missing, and several others have suffered injuries from slipping on wet roads or falling debris.
Civic Authorities in Action
The BMC has deployed over 250 emergency response workers, and NDRF teams have been stationed in strategic locations, ready for rapid deployment. Drones are also being used to monitor flooding in inaccessible areas. Pumping stations across the city are working at full capacity.
Citizens are encouraged to dial the 1916 helpline for emergencies and check the official BMC Twitter handle for real-time updates.
