Should You Venture Out Amidst Heavy Rains in Mumbai?
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Synopsis
With Mumbai facing unprecedented rainfall, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the Mumbai Police have urged residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. As the city grapples with the impact of these heavy rains, learn about the ongoing relief efforts and safety measures in place to protect citizens.
Key Takeaways
- Stay Indoors: Only venture out if necessary.
- Record Rainfall: Mumbai has experienced a 69-year rainfall record.
- Emergency Services: Multiple agencies are coordinating for public safety.
- Drainage Technology: AI and robots are being used for efficient cleaning.
- Report Issues: Use the new video upload system for drainage concerns.
Mumbai, May 26 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde alongside the Mumbai Police has called on residents to remain indoors and only go out when absolutely necessary, due to the severe rainfall affecting the city.
Shinde assessed the situation at the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) control room and urged citizens to exercise caution.
“The recent rainfall in Mumbai has set a 69-year record. The heavy downpour has caused significant distress to the people on the first day. Nevertheless, the BMC and various governmental bodies, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, SDRF, and NDRF, are collaborating effectively for disaster management and relief operations,” he stated.
Shinde, who also serves as the guardian minister for the Mumbai district, noted, “We have monitored all areas from the control room. Water levels have dropped in locations such as Milan Subway, Hindmata, Andheri, and Sion. Pumps have been deployed to remove the accumulated rainwater. Typically, we expect rain around June 10, but this year’s downpour arrived unexpectedly early. Nariman Point recorded 252 mm of rain, while the municipal headquarters saw 214 mm. Areas that anticipated only 50 mm faced much heavier rainfall. We are continually reviewing the situation and implementing necessary measures to enhance relief efforts,” he added.
He also mentioned ongoing drain cleaning operations, including the use of artificial intelligence for this purpose.
“We are utilizing robots for cleaning tasks. Additionally, a system has been established for residents to upload videos instantly. If anyone notices water accumulation or areas needing drain cleaning, they can share videos, and the municipal corporation will respond accordingly,” he affirmed.
In a related update, Minister of Disaster Management Girish Mahajan evaluated the emergency circumstances caused by the heavy rains statewide. He visited the State Emergency Operations Centre to gather information from relevant officials.
“Our system is operational around the clock to effectively manage emergencies due to the heavy rains. This is the first time we have experienced such substantial pre-monsoon rainfall in May. All Divisional Commissioners, District Collectors, and Municipal Commissioners have been instructed to take necessary precautions in response to the current situation. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a rain alert for an additional three days across the state. The rapid increase in the water levels of rivers and streams is a direct result of these pre-monsoon rains,” Mahajan explained.
Given the potential for road closures under these conditions, he urged citizens to stay home unless it is essential to leave, and to exercise caution when visiting waterfalls or other locations for monsoon tourism.
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed to assist residents during emergencies.
NDRF teams were dispatched to Baramati and Phaltan on Sunday to relocate citizens to safer areas, he noted.
Point of View
It is imperative that citizens heed the advice from local authorities. The collaborative efforts of the government and emergency services reflect a commitment to public safety. Staying informed and exercising caution is essential during this unprecedented rainfall.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What should residents do during heavy rains?
Residents are advised to stay indoors unless it is necessary to go out. Caution is essential, especially around waterlogged areas.
What measures are in place for disaster management?
Various agencies, including the Army, Navy, and local disaster response forces, are actively involved in disaster management and relief operations.
How can citizens report drainage issues?
Citizens can upload videos of drainage problems directly to the municipal corporation for prompt action.
Is there a rain alert in effect?
Yes, the Indian Meteorological Department has issued a rain alert for the next three days across the state.
What areas are most affected by the rains?
Key areas affected include Milan Subway, Hindmata, Andheri, and Sion, where significant water accumulation has been reported.
