The primary runway was closed after a SpiceJet flight overshot while landing in rain

The primary runway was closed after a SpiceJet flight overshot while landing in rain

The primary runway was closed after a SpiceJet flight overshot while landing in rain

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday has warned heavy rains in Mumbai may continue into the next 24 hours. Fadnavis added the next “two-three days would be crucial”.

Private weather forecaster Skymet informed that at 10.30am on Tuesday, the observatory at Santa Cruz, had over the past 24 hours, “recorded 375mm of rains, which is the highest in a decade for July.” The agency warned that “intermittent moderate rain with isolated heavy spells and strong gusty winds will continue over Mumbai, Mumbai Suburban, Palghar,” till afternoon on Tuesday. Skymet noted Mumbai has received 795mm of rainfall since Friday

Earlier on Tuesday, the Chief Minister's Office appealed to Mumbai residents to stay indoors “unless there is any emergency,” citing the forecast for heavy rain.

Meanwhile, the main runway of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport continues to remain closed after a Jaipur-Mumbai SpiceJet flight overshot on landing on Monday night. While the airport is not yet closed, heavy rain has resulted in diversion of flights as only a secondary runway is operational, reducing the airport's capacity to around 30 flights per hour. As many as 52 flights have been cancelled and 54 diverted from Mumbai Airport.

Media reports claim equipment to repair the primary runway will arrive only by noon.

Moreover, flooding on the Western Express Highway is causing traffic jams en route to the airport.

This story will be updated

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