Heavy rain continued to lash Mumbai as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a 'red' alert and high tide warning for the city on Tuesday.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has also predicted a cloudy sky with intermittent moderate to heavy spells of rain in the city and suburbs. While a high tide (4.31 metres) is expected at 2:33 pm, it has also predicted a low tide (1,63 metres) at 8:36 pm. A high tide is also expected on Wednesday.
Urging citizens not to step out of their homes unless necessary, BMC Commissioner and administrator Bhushan Gagarani said: "The BMC has put all its disaster management teams on high alert. Citizens are advised not to panic and can contact the BMC's disaster management cell on 1916 for any assistance."
The heavy rain resulted in waterlogged railway tracks at Wadala Station, delaying suburban Harbor line services. According to Central Railway CPRO Swapnil Dhanraj Nila, the Harbour line track was operationalised at 4.30 am after the water receded. "Main Line both fast and slow locals are running 2-3 min behind schedule and harbour line locals are running almost on time now," the official added.
Some trains have also been rescheduled. Train No. 11061 which runs between Lokmanya Tilak Term to Jaynagar has been rescheduled to 13:55 hours from 11:30 hours. Another train, 04126 (BDTS - SFG) Bandra Terminus Subedarganj Special J.C.O, which has scheduled departure at 11:00 hrs is rescheduled to 15:30 hrs from Bandra Terminus.
Exams rescheduled, schools shut
The University of Mumbai has postponed all exams scheduled for Tuesday in view of the heavy rain in Mumbai, Mumbai Suburbs, Thane, Raigad, Palghar, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts. New dates will be announced soon: University of Mumbai.
The BMC has also announced a holiday for all schools and colleges in the city and suburbs on Tuesday. Schools and colleges in Navi Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Alibaug and Panvel will remain closed on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the IMD in its latest forecast has put Mumbai under a red alert till 1 pm on Tuesday. A red alert has also been issued for Raigad and Ratnagiri districts till Tuesday afternoon, while an orange alert has been sounded for Palghar and Thane.
