Mumbai [India]: Maharashtra has stepped up its disaster preparedness as the India Meteorological Department's forecast of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and a high tide raises concerns of flooding and landslides across the state.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday chaired a high-level review meeting at the Disaster Management Control Room in Mantralaya to assess the evolving weather situation and direct officials to remain on maximum alert.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Fadnavis warned that Mumbai is expected to witness a high tide after 3 p.m., and if intense rainfall coincides with the tidal activity, several parts of the city could experience severe waterlogging.
The Chief Minister also cautioned that wind speeds are expected to increase after noon, reaching 60 to 70 kmph. As a precaution, residents living in landslide-prone areas have already been evacuated.
Nashik has been identified as a high-alert district for Tuesday, with additional disaster response personnel being deployed. Schools and colleges in the district will remain closed as a preventive measure.
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The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), particularly Vasai, Virar, and Palghar, has been among the worst-affected areas due to continuous rainfall. Waterlogging has disrupted normal life, while suburban train services have also been impacted in several sections.
Rail connectivity between Gujarat and Mumbai has been severely affected, prompting authorities to divert passenger movement through the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway where feasible.
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Officials said the state government is closely monitoring weather updates through the Disaster Management Control Room, which receives live CCTV feeds, weather data, and real-time updates from districts across Maharashtra.
On the ground, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has deployed additional personnel across vulnerable locations and is operating round the clock to respond to emergencies.
Authorities are particularly concerned about the possibility of heavy rainfall coinciding with the afternoon high tide. During high tide, rainwater drainage into the sea slows significantly, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying parts of Mumbai.
Areas such as Kurla, Sion, Dadar, Gandhi Market, and other flood-prone localities could witness prolonged waterlogging if heavy rainfall intensifies during the high tide window.
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While Mumbai had not received the expected spell of intense rainfall at the time of reporting, officials said all agencies remain on alert and urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, follow official advisories, and exercise caution as weather conditions continue to evolve.
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