Panic in Mumbai as Mithi River swells beyond danger level

Mumbai: Relentless heavy rainfall since yesterday caused the Mithi River to breach its danger mark of 3.20 metres near Kranti Nagar early today, triggering panic among residents of low-lying areas including Kapadia Nagar slum clusters.

As waters rose rapidly, many residents initiated self-evacuation—some moving to relatives' homes while others sought refuge on higher floors.

Officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's L Ward, accompanied by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and Mumbai Fire Brigade personnel, rushed to the site immediately after the river crossed the critical threshold.

Dhanaji Hirlekar, Assistant Commissioner of L Ward who personally supervised operations, confirmed evacuation of 140 vulnerable structures was underway with residents being shifted to a nearby civic-run school.

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Mithi River has crossed the danger mark and due to rising water levels, evacuation of residents from Kranti Nagar (Kurla West) is underway. Families are being safely relocated to nearby shelter sites.#MumbaiRains#MyBMCUpdates pic.twitter.com/JiH2FJS3Y4

— WARD L BMC (@mybmcWardL) August 19, 2025 >

Authorities estimate 200-300 slum structures fall within the high-risk zone, prompting urgent precautionary measures. Civic staff used loudspeakers to appeal for calm while NDRF personnel braved torrential rains to carry children and elderly residents to safety.

With rainfall continuing across the city, emergency teams remain on high alert, closely monitoring water levels and preparing for potential further evacuations.

Mumbai grinds to halt as IMD issues red alert

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday declared a red alert for "extremely heavy rainfall" across Mumbai and its suburbs, prompting authorities to enforce a citywide shutdown.

With torrential rains battering the metropolis, the District Disaster Management Authority directed all government and semi-government offices, including Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) establishments, to remain closed except for essential services.

The BMC also issued an urgent advisory to private offices and commercial establishments in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, urging them to mandate work-from-home arrangements and restrict non-essential travel. The advisory stressed the need to adapt operations to weather conditions while prioritizing citizen safety.

Between 8:30 am on August 18 and 8:30 am on August 19, Mumbai recorded heavy downpours, with Vikhroli receiving 255.5 mm, Byculla 241 mm, Santacruz 238.2 mm, Juhu 221.5 mm, Bandra 211 mm, Colaba 110.4 mm, and Mahalaxmi 72.5 mm. The relentless rain worsened waterlogging and disrupted normal life across the city.