The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared a red alert for Mumbai, warning of "very heavy to extremely heavy" rainfall through Tuesday. The alert comes as the city’s annual monsoon season intensifies, with forecasts predicting over 200 mm of rain within 24 hours in some areas.
Mumbai’s civic authorities have urged residents to avoid non-essential travel, with waterlogging already reported in low-lying neighborhoods like Andheri and Dadar. Local train services – the lifeline of India’s financial capital – are operating at reduced speeds, while flight delays are anticipated at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
"This is the first red alert of the season for Mumbai," an IMD spokesperson told reporters. "We advise strict adherence to safety protocols, especially in coastal areas." The warning follows last week’s torrential rains that disrupted power and submerged roads in Thane and Navi Mumbai.
Business leaders are monitoring potential impacts on supply chains, given Mumbai’s role as home to the National Stock Exchange and major corporate headquarters. The 2023 monsoon has already caused $1.2 billion in agricultural losses nationwide, according to preliminary government estimates.
