Heavy rainfall wreaked havoc in Maharashtra, resulting in fatalities, flooding, and disruptions. Here are the key highlights:

1. Pune Tragedy: Four Lives Lost

   • In Pune, four people lost their lives due to the heavy downpour. Three of them were electrocuted, while two drowned after falling into Thane’s Barvi Dam.
   • The situation remains critical, with rescue operations underway and authorities closely monitoring the affected areas.

2. Mumbai Airport Chaos

   • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai faced significant disruptions due to heavy rainfall. Flight operations were severely affected.
   • At 10:36 AM, flight operations were briefly suspended due to poor visibility caused by the downpour. However, operations resumed at 10:55 AM after visibility improved.
   • Air India issued an advisory, warning passengers of potential delays. The severe weather conditions impacted both arrivals and departures.
   • The Andheri subway was closed to vehicular traffic due to waterlogging, adding to the city’s congestion.

3. IMD Alerts Maharashtra

   • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued alerts for various regions:
     • Mumbai, its suburbs, Thane, Raigad, and the Ghat areas of Pune were warned of intense to very intense spells of rain.
     • Pune was under an orange alert, while Mumbai faced a yellow alert.
     • IMD Director Sunil Kamble emphasized the active monsoon over Maharashtra, with substantial rainfall recorded in both cities.

4. Railway Services and Waterlogging in Maharashtra

   • The Panvel-Chouk railway line was suspended due to flooding.
   • Local trains operated at reduced speeds due to heavy rainfall and low visibility.
   • Waterlogging affected areas like Bhandup pumping station, Vikhroli, and near King Circle.
   • A tree uprooted in Bandra east, diverting BEST buses for an hour.

The situation remains critical, and authorities are working tirelessly to manage the impact of the heavy rains. Residents are urged to stay safe and follow official advisories. Additionally, in Pune, the death toll has reached 136, and evacuation efforts are ongoing in several districts². The IMD continues to monitor the weather situation closely.