Incessant rainfall triggers landslides, waterlogging, and severe disruption to transport services across Mumbai.
Mumbai woke up to another day of chaos on Saturday, August 16, 2025, as heavy rains battered the city and its suburbs. The downpour not only caused widespread flooding but also triggered a fatal landslide in Vikhroli that claimed two lives and left two others injured. Civic officials said the incident occurred around 2.39 a.m. in Varsha Nagar, Vikhroli Parksite, when soil and stones from a nearby hillock collapsed onto a hut belonging to the Mishra family. Four members were rushed to Rajawadi Hospital, where doctors declared 19-year-old Shalu Mishra and 50-year-old Suresh Mishra dead on arrival. The two survivors, Aarti (45) and Ruturaj (20), are undergoing treatment and are reported to be stable.
Mumbai Records Over 200 mm Rainfall Overnight
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported intense rainfall across Mumbai between August 15 and 16, with Vikhroli topping the charts at 248.5 mm. Other areas also saw alarming figures—Santacruz recorded 232.5 mm, Sion 221 mm, Juhu 208 mm, and Bandra 173 mm. In sharp contrast, Colaba in south Mumbai received just 70.4 mm.
The downpour led to heavy waterlogging in Sion, Kings Circle, Kurla, Chembur, Andheri, and several other low-lying areas. Roads turned into streams, forcing vehicles to wade through knee-deep water. The Mumbai Traffic Police reported multiple closures, including the Andheri subway and the tunnel from Mankhurd T Junction to Maharashtra Nagar. Several parts of the Western Express Highway were also gridlocked.
Local Train and Bus Services Hit
The city’s lifeline—its suburban train network—was severely disrupted. Waterlogging on tracks at Dadar, Kurla, Sion, Chunabhatti, and Tilak Nagar halted services on both Central and Harbour lines. The Western Railway also reported delays due to track flooding.
Bus operations too were impacted, with Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) confirming diversions on several routes, including Sion, Aarey Colony, and Malad Subway. Commuters had a difficult time navigating flooded streets, with traffic moving at a snail’s pace across key junctions.
Airlines Issue Travel Advisory
The heavy downpour also disrupted flight schedules. IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air issued travel advisories urging passengers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport. Airlines warned that departures, arrivals, and connecting flights could be delayed due to weather conditions and traffic congestion leading to the airport.
IMD Issues Red Alert for Mumbai and Surrounding Districts
With the rainfall showing no signs of abating, the IMD upgraded its warning for Mumbai from orange to red alert. The department also extended the alert to neighbouring districts of Raigad, Thane, Palghar, and Ratnagiri. Officials cautioned of “intense to very intense convection” over the city and predicted more heavy downpours in the coming hours.
“Mumbai Radar shows intense to very intense convection over the city and adjoining area. It is likely to continue for the next 2–3 hours,” the IMD said in a statement.
Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has directed all civic officials to remain on duty and ensure emergency measures are in place. Rescue teams, including the fire brigade and disaster management squads, remain deployed across vulnerable locations.
Widespread Impact of Monsoon Across India
While Mumbai faces the brunt of extreme rainfall, other parts of India are also grappling with severe monsoon conditions.
- Hyderabad: The IMD has issued an orange alert for moderate to heavy rainfall, warning of waterlogging, traffic congestion, and slippery conditions.
- Uttarakhand: Yellow and orange alerts are in place across districts, with the State Emergency Operations Centre urging officials to brace for heavy rains.
- Delhi: The capital recorded a minimum temperature of 25°C, with cloudy skies and intermittent rain expected over the weekend.
- Himachal Pradesh: The monsoon has been devastating, claiming 257 lives since June 20, with 133 deaths linked to landslides, flash floods, and electrocution, according to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA). Another 124 deaths were reported in rain-related road accidents.
A Season of Relentless Rains
The monsoon has been particularly harsh this year, with frequent cloudbursts, landslides, and flooding reported from several states. For Mumbai, Saturday’s rainfall brought life to a standstill yet again, highlighting the city’s perennial struggle with urban flooding during the monsoon.
Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors unless travel is essential, as more heavy rains are expected in the coming days. With red alerts in place, civic bodies and emergency teams remain on high alert to prevent further loss of life and property.