5 killed in rain-related incidents in Mumbai; schools, colleges remain shut

A day after six hours of incessant rainfall brought Mumbai to a standstill, schools and colleges in the city have been asked to stay shut on Thursday, in view of a similar forecast.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert, with a prediction of "heavy to very heavy rainfalls" in Mumbai and its neighbouring areas — Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Nashik.

According to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the city received 399.4 mm of rain in the first four days on September, which is more than the average rainfall in the month. The average rainfall for September has been 341 mm in the last 11 years, but the city received 350 mm only on Wednesday.

The air services were massively affected due to this, with several flights cancelled and more than 200 delayed.

Water level in the Mithi River reached 3.92 metres on Wednesday, breaching the danger level. High tide by 4.13 metres was also reported at around 3.30 pm, which worsened the situation by hindering the draining out of water through stormwater outfalls.

Here are the Live updates for today:

At least 30 flights were cancelled and 118 flight, including 86 departures, delayed in Mumbai on Thursday due to heavy downpour. 

"Situation at the Mumbai airport has been largely normalized and operations have resumed as per the schedule. There are few cancellations to stabilize the operations. Therefore, we request the passengers to check the status of their flight before proceeding for the airport. We thank MIAL for their support. This eased the situation at the Mumbai airport last night. All affected passengers are being accomodated on alternate flights," a statement by Indigo read. 

"The Monsoon surge along the West Coast will result in moderate rains with a couple of intense spells over Mumbai and its suburbs but these rains will not be as heavy as they were yesterday," reported Skymet Weather. 

A six-year-old boy died after he fell into a gutter on Wednesday evening in Nala Sopara area of Palghar district. His body was recovered late last night, reported ANI.

The residents, who were stuck in their offices, roads and railway station, complained of the exorbitant amounts that cab services were charging on Wednesday.