Mumbai Rains: From on-ground operations to clearing stormwater drainage, how BMC is focusing on safety measures

Continuous heavy rains in Mumbai have brought routine life to a standstill, with several parts of the city being severely inundated, making it difficult for citizens to travel. 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a Red Alert for extremely heavy rainfall in Mumbai today. Civic and disaster management authorities said all personnel remain on high alert, monitoring vulnerable spots and coordinating rescue operations.

Due to the incessant rains, the schools conducting morning shifts declared a half-day. Severe waterlogging issues caused a school bus carrying six children and two staffers to be stuck on the road for hours in the Matunga area of the city. Officials also advised people to avoid non-essential travel and to step out only if necessary. 

Given the continuous and extremely heavy rainfall, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is actively deployed on the ground to monitor the situation.

According to the  BMC, officials and staff are present at various locations in the city. From engineers, pump operators, to health staff and emergency response teams, BMC is ensuring they are carrying out field operations actively.  

Critical services like stormwater drainage systems, sewerage management, and pumping stations are being given special attention as well. Officials mentioned that they are also ensuring that water drainage works are not obstructed. 

In a word of request to the citizens, BMC has asked people not to believe in rumours and to contact 1916 for immediate assistance. 

According to PTI, the rise in water levels has affected traffic on Chena Bridge in Bhayander, while a man was swept away after he fell into a 'nullah' (major drain) at Blue Diamond Square in Navi Mumbai's Sector 28.