IMD red alert for Mumbai, Thane till July 7 as rainfall tops 146 mm
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday, 4 July issued a critical red alert for Mumbai, Thane, and several neighbouring districts as relentless monsoon downpours lashed the region for a fourth consecutive day. With over 100 mm of rain recorded across multiple areas within a single 24-hour window, forecasters warned that intensity would spike further through the weekend.
Rainfall Figures Across Mumbai
Data from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) rain-gauge stations confirms that suburban zones are bearing the heaviest load. The highest recorded figures in the past 24 hours include H-West Ward Office at 146.4 mm, Bandra (Supari Tank Municipal School) at 143.4 mm, Bandra (Pali Mumbai Municipal School) at 140.6 mm, G-South Ward Office at 140.2 mm, F-North Ward Office at 132 mm, Mankhurd Fire Station at 126.8 mm, and Chembur (Collector Colony) at 124.2 mm. Neighbouring Thane city recorded 58 mm of rainfall between Friday morning and early Saturday dawn, with heavy spells continuing to pound the district.
Red Alert Coverage and Weekend Forecast
The red alert spans Mumbai and Thane for both Saturday and Sunday, extending to Palghar, Raigad, Satara, and the vulnerable Ghat regions of Pune. The IMD estimates that high-risk areas could receive between 200 mm and 250 mm of torrential rain over the weekend, with severe monsoon activity forecast to persist until 7 July. This is the fourth straight day of intense precipitation, placing the current spell among the more sustained early-monsoon onslaughts in recent years.
Civic Response and Safety Measures
The local civic administration, Fire Brigade, and the Disaster Management Department have been placed on high alert. The BMC has declared all beaches and coastal areas strictly off-limits to prevent mishaps amid rising water levels and rough seas. Authorities have strongly advised citizens to remain indoors, avoid low-lying and waterlogged locations, and refrain from driving or wading through flooded streets. Citizens have also been urged to secure loose objects outside their homes.
Emergency Helplines
The state administration has activated emergency helplines across the affected districts. Citizens can contact the BMC at 1916, the Palghar District Helpline at 02525-297474 or +91 82379 78873, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) at 022-25364779 or 022-25301740, the Thane Disaster Management Cell at 1800-222-108 or 8657887101, and the Panvel Municipal Corporation at 022-27458040/41/42. With the IMD warning of continued heavy rainfall through 7 July, residents across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region are urged to stay alert and monitor official advisories.