Rains paralyse normal life in Mumbai

NDTV: "Heavy rains in Maharashtra has completely disrupted normal life across the state with Mumbai being severely hit. The country's commercial capital has come to a complete standstill due to water-logging even as roads continue to be submerged in many parts of the city for the second consecutive day today.

Among the worst affected areas are Bandra, Mahim, Santacruz, Mira Road, Byculla, Kurla, Ghatkopar, Mulund, Thane and Badlapur. The only part of the city where vehicles were seen moving is within South Mumbai from Colaba to Worli. However in the western part of the city from Mahim to Bandra till Santacruz and Goregaon the traffic is blocked.

Meanwhile, 100 people were rescued from Kalina bus depot by BEST traffic officials. They were trapped in the bus submerged in 10-feet water. Fourteen people including seven children have died in two landslides in the Andheri area, where 200 others are feared trapped. Another 13 are reported to have died in a landslide in Nerul in Navi Mumbai.

In the last 24 hours, Colaba has recorded 57.1 MM of rainfall while Santacruz has received 896 MM. This is the highest ever amount of rain recorded in both the areas. The main reason for this unprecedented rainfall is a trough stretching from the Konkan and Goa coast extending to coastal Karnataka which has intensified.

Under its influence heavy to very heavy rainfall will continue over the Konkan-Goa region and the adjoining areas of Maharashtra, which includes Mumbai. A 24-hour control room has been set up in Mantralaya. The city administration is seeking the assistance of the Navy, which is helping in rescue operations.

Nearly 5,000 jawans of Army, Air Force and Navy have been deployed in Mumbai to control the situation. Two companies of CRPF have been called from Pune to help in relief work in Mumbai suburbs. Mumbai airport was closed for the second consecutive day today as the runway was waterlogged due to incessant rains.

Crucial navigation and landing aids such as Instrument Landing System and Distance Measuring Instrument were not available forcing diversion of all international and domestic flights to other destinations. Many international flights have been diverted to other destinations. Flights from Delhi to Mumbai too have been delayed and several commuters have been stranded.

Speaking to NDTV, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said, "Hopefully by today afternoon air services wills start and some flights will take off. The problem is that rains have not stopped." Power has been restored up 90 per cent in the city of Mumbai and 75 per cent in suburban areas.

Many suburban areas remained without power as water entered ground floor flats, forcing power supply to be shut off. Even mobile and landline phone services have been affected. The state government has declared a public holiday today. Schools in Mumbai and neighbouring Thane district have also been asked to close down today and tomorrow in view of the heavy rains.

Deshmukh has also urged people to stay in their homes and not venture out as heavy rains were forecast for the next 48 hours. According to latest reports, local train services have resumed between Bandra and Borivali, and partly resumed between Churchgate and Mahalaxmi. However, several outbound long-distance trains have been cancelled and many incoming trains have been diverted. Four long distance trains from Kolkata to Mumbai have been cancelled. Western and Central Railway trains were stopped at about 2:00 pm (IST) on Tuesday. The Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall with gusty winds for Mumbai and suburbs.

The Pune-Western Express Highway has been closed and all trains to Pune have been cancelled as railway tracks were submerged. Ratnagiri, Raigarh and Sindugarh districts of the state have been cut-off from Mumbai even as Mahad, Mangaon and Chiplun remain cut-off from the rest of the country. Nearly 200 people are reported to be missing after landslides in the Konkan area. (With PTI inputs)"