Mumbai on Red Alert as Heavy Rains Lash City, Konkan; Govt Warns of Floods, Landslides

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai and the adjoining Konkan coast, warning of extremely heavy rainfall on Sunday, September 28, as the state government puts all district administrations on high alert until Tuesday . The intense monsoon spell, which began overnight, has already caused significant waterlogging and traffic disruptions in Mumbai, with the situation expected to worsen as a high tide is predicted for the afternoon .

The IMD’s forecast warns of heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 40–50 kmph across Mumbai and its suburbs, with the possibility of extremely heavy spells in isolated locations . The red alert also covers the districts of Thane, Palghar, Raigad, and Ratnagiri, while other areas like Sindhudurg and the ghat regions of Nashik are also expected to be lashed by heavy rains . In response, the State Emergency Operation Centre has directed all districts to be on high alert, warning of urban flooding, landslides in ghat areas, and potential flash floods .

Life in other parts of Maharashtra has also been thrown into disarray. In Solapur’s Barshi taluka, the flooding of the Chandni River has forced residents to wade through dangerous currents, causing heavy damage to crops . A dramatic rescue was witnessed in Latur’s Ousa taluka after a man and his son were swept away while trying to cross a flooded bridge on a motorcycle; the son was saved after he managed to grab a tree branch.

Meanwhile, heavy flooding in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar’s Waluj area has inundated homes and damaged vehicles . The monsoon has already taken a heavy toll on the Marathwada region this season, with 86 deaths and damage to over 2.3 million hectares of crops reported between June 1 and September 25 .

Back in Mumbai, civic officials have warned that a high tide of 3.24 metres is expected at 2:55 pm, which could severely exacerbate waterlogging if it coincides with the heavy downpour . While local train services on the Central and Western lines are running with minor delays, BEST bus services are operating normally so far . The government has activated disaster management teams, circulated emergency helpline numbers, and strongly advised citizens to avoid flood-prone areas and unnecessary travel until conditions improve