Several cities in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune, Thane, and Palghar, continue to experience heavy rainfall, leading to waterlogging, traffic snarls, and delays in flight and train operations. Due to the incessant rain, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in Mumbai.

Between 4 am and 1 pm on Thursday, several areas in Mumbai received over 100 mm of rainfall. Malpa Dongri in Andheri recorded the highest rainfall at 157 mm, followed by Paspoli in Powai with 155 mm, and Dindoshi with 154 mm.

In Pune's Pimpri-Chinchwad, several residential areas were flooded, resulting in four rain-related fatalities. Pune's District Magistrate, Suhas Divsae, has called in the army to assist with relief operations.

Army Deployed in Pune

Army contingents have been deployed to evacuate residents and move them to safer locations in Pune, with around 400 people evacuated so far. Two army columns were deployed in the Sinhagad Road area, one of the most severely affected by flooding. Additional teams from the NDRF, fire brigade, and local disaster management units are also involved in relief efforts.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has assured that, if necessary, rain-affected individuals will be airlifted to safety. "If the need arises, we have told them to airlift people. There is no need to worry," he stated.

Airlines Issue Advisories

Several airlines have issued advisories to passengers due to delays and diversions caused by heavy rain in Mumbai. Air India announced full refunds or complimentary rescheduling for bookings confirmed for travel on July 25, 2024. IndiGo and SpiceJet also advised passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport.

State Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar reviewed the situation and instructed officials in Mumbai, Pune, and Thane to stay alert and ensure effective rescue and relief operations.

BMC and IMD Alerts

The BMC has appealed to Mumbai residents to avoid non-essential travel due to the red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which is in effect until Friday morning. The IMD has forecast continued heavy rains across different areas of the state in the coming days.

In Pune, four people lost their lives in rain-related incidents, including three men who were electrocuted while trying to move their submerged handcart and one person who died in a landslide in the Tahmini ghat area. Authorities are working to clear debris from roads to restore vehicular movement.

In Lavasa, four to five people are feared trapped in a bungalow due to a mudslide. NDRF teams have been deployed in low-lying areas where flooding is anticipated.

Due to heavy rainfall in Pune's catchment areas, water is being released from the Khadakwasla dam at a rate of 9,400 cusecs, with residents in low-lying areas advised to remain alert. The IMD has issued a red alert for Pune for the next 24 hours.

Raigad and Kolhapur Alerts

In Raigad, schools, colleges, and other educational institutions were closed on Thursday due to heavy rainfall. Similar closures were ordered in Palghar's Wada and Vikramgad sub-divisions. The IMD has issued a red alert for both districts.

In Kolhapur, an alert was issued as the Panchganga River's water level reached 42.2 feet, just 8 inches below the danger mark of 43 feet. The local administration is closely monitoring the situation.