MUMBAI August 5 : The heavy rain along with gusty winds brings back the memories of the 26 July 2005 deluge. Between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm on Wednesday, South Mumbai received 229.6 mm rainfall while Mumbai suburb recorded 65.8 mm rainfall.
South Mumbai has recorded its highest single-day rainfall on Wednesday since 1999 as per India Meteorological Department (IMD). The highest rainfall is 261 mm in the year 1998.
The local trains services at central, western and harbour lines were suspended due to the heavy rain. The people who were stranded at the railway stations and the bus stands were asked to take shelter at nearby the BMC schools.
Maharashtra government has also called the national disaster response force team to rescue the trapped people at various places.
According to the BMC, the waves as high as 4.41 metres blocked the excess rainwater from entering the sea. This also resulted in submerging many low lying areas of Mumbai. As per the meteorological department, Mumbai and its suburb are likely to receive intense to the very intense spell of rainfall accompanied with strong winds reaching up to 70 to 80 kilometres speed.
Due to the heavy rainfall and high tide, waterlogging incidents were reported at Hindmata Parel, Dadar TT, MIES college, Goel temple, JJ bridge, Thakur Dhwar, Sheikh Mishtri road and Bhendi Bazar in South Mumbai. The low lying areas such as Postal colony, Chembur, Chunabhatti, Kurla, and Mankhurd in eastern suburb and Andheri subway, Dahisar Subway, National college and Bandra submerged in rainwater.
Six house collapse, 142 tree falling and 10 short circuit incidents were reported in the city. Many vehicles parked in the open were crushed by tree falling incidents. Besides, the many places in Mumbai and extended suburb witnessed the power cut.
The city civic authorities said they have asked the garden department and fire brigade to attend to the tree falling incidents immediately to clear the roads.
Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray has appealed to the local bodies remain alert and extend all help to the stranded people.