Life limps back to normal in Mumbai as rain abates

Mumbai, July 5 (UNI) Life in the rain-marred Mumbai is limping back to normal as incessant rains have stopped for the last few hours with the sky still remaining cloudy.

At least 28 people were killed in Maharashtra during the last 24 hours in various rain-related incidents including nine in and around the metropolis. Three deaths were reported from Saurashtra in separate incidents.

Water started receding after an almost continual rains of 48 hours and flash floods here. There was a visible increase in vehicular traffic at Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Nariman Point and Marine Lines as the day progressed.

All three lines of suburban railways have resumed full operations and rail traffic is expected to get normal by late evening, a government release said.

According to Weather Bureau, heavy to very heavy rains accompanied by strong winds are expected to hit the city and its suburbs in the next 24 hours.

With no respite in view, the civic administration and other emergency services have been put on high alert.

At least 30-40 per cent of private offices today remained closed, whereas moderate attendance was recorded in government offices and other institutions which functioned.

Till late afternoon sporadic gusts of winds accompanied by light showers continued to lash the island city unabated forcing residents to remain indoors.

Schools in the city were closed for the second consecutive day after a state government directive in this regard. Even the last date for submitting fees for new admissions for the new academic year in collgees across the city has been extended for a day.

The Bombay High Court came down heavily on Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for its alleged failure to provide proper drainage system in the metropolis during last five days of continuous downpours.

The court asked the Corporation how they had used the funds for improving the drainage system in the city.

City Police Commissioner A N Roy XXX Eds picking up here from line one para seven of BY1, WEATHER-MUMBAI-RAINS.

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