MUMBAI: Torrential rain amounting to 500 mm over 84 hours disrupted normal life in the city and surrounding areas on Monday, prompting the IMD to issue the season’s first red alert for Aug 18-19.BMC and the civic bodies of Navi Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Mira Bhayander declared a holiday for all schools and colleges on both days. Mumbai University postponed 32 exams to Aug 23.Two persons died – a compound wall collapse killed a 75-year-old watchman at Nepean Sea Road, and another man was electrocuted in Kanjurmarg. A 24-year-old went missing after entering the Mithi river, while a man was injured in a tree fall at Sahar.Heavy downpour inundated several roads, especially in Chembur and Dadar which recorded 100 mm in eight hours till 2pm. Vulnerable spots like Hindmata and King’s Circle flooded despite Rs 156 crore spent on underground tanks. Andheri Subway remained shut for over six hours.Flights were disrupted with one diversion and 10 go-arounds. Central Railway services faced 10-60 minute delays due to waterlogging at Kurla, Govandi, Tilak Nagar and Chembur, while Western Railway slowed trains citing visibility. Metro ran normally. BEST buses were diverted on 51 routes, while refusals and surge fares hit cabs and autos.Power outages were reported in Antop Hill, Mahalaxmi, Andheri Lokhandwala, Goregaon Gokuldham and Powai. Police rescued students stranded in buses in Matunga and Kalwa, where locals used boats. Traffic snarls hit Hindmata, Gandhi Market, Wadala Freeway and Juhu Gully.BMC announced afternoon school closures belatedly, leaving parents & institutes scrambling. In Bombay HC, lawyers cited difficulty reaching court, with CJ assuring leniency for non-appearance.Navi Mumbai reported record rainfall since Sunday night, with Nerul receiving 150 mm in 24 hours and seasonal rainfall crossing 2,000 mm. Traffic slowed on Thane-Belapur and Sion-Panvel highways as potholes resurfaced. Thane recorded 100 mm in 7 hours, with Kalwa East the worst hit.
