Heavy rain in Mumbai has badly hit traffic and train services
As heavy rain crippled Mumbai, the civic body this morning issued a flood alert and warned people against travelling, especially during the high tide.
Officials warned that the situation could be worse during the high tide between 2 and 5 pm, when the rising sea water could exacerbate flooding. A high tide of 4.6 metres is expected at 1.57 pm.
Large parts of Mumbai, including the central, western and eastern suburbs, are flooded, and traffic has come to a standstill. Train services have been badly hit; the harbour line has been completely suspended.
"People have been asked not to move out except absolutely necessary. They should stay indoors," an official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said. All schools have been closed.
The past 12 hours have seen the heaviest rain. The weather office has predicted heavy showers till Tuesday.
The flooding is worse in the low-lying areas, where water has entered homes.
Officials said South Mumbai is better off because of road repair work in the past few months.