Record-breaking monsoon rains have battered large parts of Maharashtra, particularly Mumbai, Palghar and Raigad districts, claiming at least 13 lives over the past three to four days. The relentless downpour has triggered floods, landslides, building collapses, transport disruptions and widespread damage, prompting the Maharashtra government to remain on high alert.
13 Deaths Reported Across Maharashtra
Maharashtra Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan said that at least 13 people have died in rain-related incidents over the last three to four days as torrential rainfall continued across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and the Konkan belt. The fatalities have been linked to building collapses, landslides, drowning incidents, falling trees and other weather-related accidents.
One of the deadliest incidents occurred in Mumbai’s Mankhurd area, where a multi-storey chawl collapsed amid continuous heavy rain, killing six people, including five children. Rescue teams worked through the night to search for survivors trapped beneath the debris.
Record-Breaking Rainfall
According to officials, Mumbai, Palghar and Raigad have received exceptionally heavy rainfall, with some areas recording one of the highest rainfall totals of the current monsoon season. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Mumbai received nearly 80% of its average July rainfall within just four days.
The Santacruz weather station recorded over 675 mm of rain since July 1, while Colaba received around 500 mm during the same period, pushing the city’s seasonal rainfall above the 1,000 mm mark much earlier than usual.
Flooding and Landslides
Continuous rainfall caused severe flooding across Mumbai, Palghar, Raigad and neighbouring districts. Several low-lying areas remained submerged, while overflowing rivers and overflowing drains worsened the situation.
In Pune district, a landslide buried a house, killing one person and leaving two others missing. Landslides also blocked highways and railway tracks connecting Mumbai and Pune, affecting thousands of commuters.
Major Transport Disruptions
Heavy rain severely affected transportation across Maharashtra.
Several suburban train services were delayed due to poor visibility and waterlogging.
Railway services between Karjat and Khopoli were suspended after heavy rain damaged railway tracks.
The Mumbai–Pune Expressway witnessed traffic disruptions because of landslides.
The Mumbai–Goa Highway remained closed in several stretches due to flooding and landslides.
Numerous domestic and international flights experienced delays because of adverse weather conditions.
Red Alert Issued
The India Meteorological Department issued a Red Alert for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Raigad, warning of extremely heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds. Authorities cautioned that the ongoing weather conditions could lead to flash floods, landslides, overflowing rivers, urban flooding and damage to weak structures.
Residents were advised to avoid unnecessary travel and remain indoors unless absolutely necessary.
