📰 Mumbai Reels Under Extreme Rainfall: Mithi River Crosses Danger Mark, City on High Alert

Mumbai, August 21, 2025 — Relentless monsoon rains have plunged India’s financial capital into crisis, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for extreme rainfall across Mumbai and neighboring districts. Over the past five days, the city has recorded more than 837 mm of rain, marking its wettest August in five years.

🚨 Mithi River Breaches Danger Level

One of the most alarming developments has been the swelling of the Mithi River, which surged past its danger mark of 4 meters, reaching 4.07 meters on Tuesday. The river, which snakes through densely populated areas like Kurla, Bandra-Kurla Complex, and Dharavi, has triggered evacuation orders for over 500 residents in low-lying slum clusters. Authorities fear a repeat of the catastrophic 2005 floods, when the Mithi overflowed and paralyzed the city.

🏫 Schools Shut, Transport Paralyzed

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared holidays for schools and colleges in Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Panvel, and Palghar, urging citizens to stay indoors. Local train services on the Harbour and Central lines were suspended due to submerged tracks, while flights were diverted from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport amid low visibility and waterlogged runways.

🚒 Emergency Response in Full Swing

Five teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed across Mumbai, with additional units stationed in flood-prone districts like Raigad, Sindhudurg, and Kolhapur. The BMC has activated over 400 dewatering pumps and is monitoring real-time data from its Flood Monitoring System, developed in collaboration with IIT Bombay.

🌍 Climate Change Intensifies Monsoon Fury

Meteorologists attribute the extreme rainfall to a convergence of weather systems: a low-pressure area over Vidarbha, a cyclonic circulation in the Arabian Sea, and an active offshore trough. Experts warn that climate change is amplifying monsoon variability, with warmer seas injecting more moisture into the atmosphere, leading to shorter but more intense rain spells.

📢 Public Advisory

Residents are advised to:

Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary
Stay away from riverbanks and coastal areas during high tide
Follow updates from IMD and BMC on social media
Keep emergency kits and essentials ready

As Mumbai battles nature’s fury, the next 48 hours remain critical. Authorities urge calm, cooperation, and vigilance as the city braces for more rain.