Heavy monsoon rains intensified across large parts of the country on Sunday, causing disruptions at Mumbai’s international airport and prompting weather alerts in multiple states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an alert for Mumbai and surrounding areas, warning of extremely heavy rainfall and gusty winds.
Runway operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were temporarily suspended due to poor visibility, heavy rain, and strong winds. Airport authorities reported four flights cancelled and 13 others diverted, though most later returned. The disruptions come as the city recorded over 190 mm of rainfall in 24 hours in some areas, with isolated spots exceeding 250 mm.
IMD Issues Red Alerts and Forecasts
The IMD has placed Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts under red alert for isolated extremely heavy rainfall (over 20 cm) accompanied by gusty winds. Similar warnings extend to parts of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha for the next 48 hours. A well-marked low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Odisha-West Bengal coasts is driving the active monsoon conditions and is expected to move west-northwestward.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also forecast for Kerala, coastal Karnataka, and parts of East India, including Jharkhand and Bihar. In Delhi-NCR, widespread rainfall brought relief from the heat but caused waterlogging in low-lying areas.
State-Level Preparedness and Public Safety Measures
State authorities have stepped up monitoring and response. In Maharashtra, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has advised residents to stay indoors during intense spells and has deployed teams for drainage desilting and emergency response. Schools in parts of Pune and surrounding areas were shut as a precaution.
In Odisha and Jharkhand, district administrations have issued advisories for fishermen and farmers, with teams on standby for possible localised flooding. Kerala authorities are closely watching water levels in rivers and dams. The IMD continues to issue regular updates through its website and app, helping citizens and agencies plan ahead.
Broader Impacts on Transport, Agriculture and Infrastructure
The intensified monsoon has affected road and rail movement in several regions, with waterlogging reported in urban centres. While the rains are crucial for the ongoing kharif sowing season, excessive downpours raise risks of crop damage and soil erosion in vulnerable areas.
Urban infrastructure in cities like Mumbai faces recurring pressure during peak monsoon, highlighting the need for sustained investment in drainage and resilience measures. Officials have emphasised that early warnings and coordinated action have helped in keeping the situation under control.
Outlook
The IMD expects the active monsoon phase to continue, with the low-pressure system likely to enhance rainfall over central and eastern India in the coming days. Residents in IMD alert zones are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay updated via official channels, and follow local administration guidelines.
This spell underscores both the life-giving and challenging nature of the monsoon for India’s diverse regions — from the financial capital to the coastal and eastern states.
