Mumbai remained on high alert on Monday after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane and Raigad districts, forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds reaching 80–90 kmph. In response, the Maharashtra State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) advised private establishments to allow employees to work from home wherever feasible, while non-essential government and semi-government offices were directed to function for only a half-day.
The advisory was issued as relentless rainfall disrupted daily life across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), causing widespread waterlogging, transport disruptions and the closure of educational institutions.
According to the SDMA, private employers have been requested to implement work-from-home (WFH) arrangements to reduce commuter movement and ensure employee safety. Government and semi-government offices, excluding departments providing essential services, have been instructed to close after noon.
Authorities have also urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, remain indoors unless absolutely necessary and closely follow official weather and traffic advisories.
The IMD’s red alert warns of extremely heavy rainfall along with gusty winds, increasing the risk of flooding, falling trees, infrastructure damage and transport disruptions across Mumbai, Thane and Raigad.
Rail services were significantly affected as waterlogging between Vasai Road and Virar disrupted suburban operations. The Central Railway advised passengers to expect delays and plan their journeys accordingly.
A major landslide near Tunnel No. 40 on the Mumbai–Pune railway section further impacted rail connectivity, forcing the cancellation, diversion and regulation of several long-distance trains.
As a precautionary measure, schools and colleges across Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Raigad remained closed. The city’s iconic Mumbai Dabbawala lunchbox delivery service also suspended operations due to adverse weather conditions.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) appealed to citizens to avoid venturing outdoors unless essential and warned people to stay away from damaged buildings, electric poles, trees, hoardings and other vulnerable structures that could collapse due to strong winds.
The IMD has also advised residents not to shelter under isolated trees during thunderstorms, avoid open spaces and regularly monitor official weather bulletins before travelling.
Disaster response teams, civic authorities and emergency services remain on standby as the administration continues to monitor rainfall intensity and waterlogging across vulnerable locations. Officials have urged citizens to cooperate with authorities and prioritise safety until weather conditions improve.
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