Rain fury in Mumbai: IMD issue red alert amid heavy downpour; 2 killed in Vikhroli landslide

Severe waterlogging was reported across Mumbai on Saturday morning as heavy rainfall continued to lash the city overnight. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai and Raigad district amid an active monsoon phase.

Railway tracks at Dadar and Bandra were inundated after incessant showers since Friday night. Visuals also showed flooding in Navi Mumbai and adjoining areas, with people in Vashi wading through knee-deep water. Popular spots such as Kings Circle and Gandhi Market were submerged, while water entered the Andheri and Milan Subways, disrupting movement. People were even seen dragging vehicles through waterlogged streets near the SCLR Bridge.

Between 1 am and 4 am, intense rainfall pounded both western and eastern suburbs. Marol Fire Station recorded the highest rainfall at 207 mm, followed by 202 mm at Nariyalwadi School in Santacruz. In the east, Vikhroli and Ghatkopar were hit hard, with Tagore Nagar Municipal School reporting 196 mm and the nearby Building Proposal Office logging 195 mm of rain.

Tragedy struck in the early hours when a landslide hit a hut in Vikhroli’s Jankalyan Society around 2:39 am. Two people were killed and two others injured in the incident.

The IMD has issued an Orange Alert for Thane and Raigad and a Yellow Alert for Palghar until August 19, warning of moderate to heavy rain.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Police issued a travel advisory asking residents to avoid stepping out unless necessary. “Mumbai is experiencing heavy rainfall with an Orange Alert in effect. Waterlogging and reduced visibility have been reported in several areas. Mumbaikars are advised to avoid non-essential travel and to exercise caution while venturing out,” the advisory read on X.