Heavy rains lash Mumbai, life thrown out of gear

Mumbai, June 30: Normal life was thrown out of gear in the megapolis following heavy rains that paralysed road and rail traffic.

Incessant rains since the past 24 hours have badly affected rail traffic on the Central, Western and Harbour Railway routes.

Motorists faced a tough time due to water logging in low-lying areas like Sakinaka, Kurla, Hindmata, Parel, Byculla, Milan Subway and Andheri.

The Met office has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in the city and its suburbs in the next 48 hours.

The Central line services that connect Mumbai and Thane districts were partially off the track due to water logging at Masjid Bunder, Byculla, Parel, Sion, Kurla and Ghatkopar.

Water logging was also seen at Wadala on the Harbour line forcing authorities to stop services on this route. Similarly, Western Railway trains are running late by over 30 to 35 minutes.

The otherwise crowded trains are running nearly empty as people have chosen to stay home for fear of the repeat of the 26/7 deluge.

The disruption of the railway services has badly affected the attendence in the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchanges. Same is the case in brokerage firms across the city.

The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking bus services were also affected due to the continuous downpour.

Fire Brigade officials received various complaints of uprooting of trees and short circuit.

Certain schools have declared holiday on account of 'Vata Poornima', a festival among Hindu married women.

Mumbai city has recorded 146.8 mm rainfall while the suburbs received 174.1 mm rain in the past 24 hours, Met officials said.

Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the rough sea in the next 24 hours, as south-westerly winds are blowing at the speed of 45-50 km per hour.

Raigad and Sindhudurg districts in Konkan region have been badly affected to flooded Savitri river. There were reports of landslides from these two regions.

Mahad town is lying submerged under four to five feet of water.

Water logging is reported in MIDC area of the town. Vehicular traffic was disrupted and communication to remote villages were cut.

UNI