Several agencies have been put on high alert following the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) forecast of "very heavy" rainfall across several parts of Maharashtra in the coming days.

In a bulletin released on Thursday, the IMD predicted "isolated heavy rainfall" in parts of Central Maharashtra, the Konkan region, and other areas on July 26 and 27. The situation in Mumbai and Pune remains concerning, with a 'red alert' issued for both cities, indicating spells of intense rainfall.

Despite the grim forecast, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced that all schools and colleges will remain open on Friday. The BMC reassured citizens, stating, "The weather and rainfall in Mumbai are normal at present, allowing life in the metropolitan city to proceed smoothly. As a result, all schools and colleges in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation area will remain open on a regular basis tomorrow, Friday, 26th July 2024. Parents are humbly requested not to believe any other information or rumors regarding school and college holidays and to rely only on official information from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The civic administration urges citizens to stay in touch with the management of the concerned schools and colleges for more."

Earlier on Thursday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde held a high-level meeting with Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis to review relief and rescue operations. Following the meeting, the Chief Minister stated that teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Army, Navy, police, fire brigade, and medical personnel have been mobilized to expedite relief efforts.

"I have spoken to the Army and Navy officials related to Pune. I have asked for deploying helicopters to rescue people trapped in various places due to floods," Shinde said.

He emphasized the need for coordination among all agencies involved: "The units of NDRF, SDRF, Army, Navy, Police, Fire Brigade, and Health System have been directed to coordinate with each other and lend help," said CM Shinde. "These agencies need to work as a team to shift the flood-affected people safely, provide them with food packets, arrange medicines and water. Instructions have been given to take the help of NDRF, Army, and Navy."

Shinde noted that heavy rainfall in the dam areas of Pune, Maval, and Mulshi has significantly impacted Pune. Additionally, Mumbai and its suburbs are experiencing heavy rainfall. "The administration is fully alert to deal with any calamity in Mumbai, and I am in touch with Pune, Raigad, and Mumbai Collectors and Municipal Commissioners," he said.