Mumbai rains: Local trains have started running and the traffic is clearing up slowly (Reuters)
Mumbai is slowly limping back to normal a day after heavy rain battered the city. The rainfall recorded in Mumbai yesterday is said to be the heaviest in 12 years, recording almost 300 millimeters in some locations. Today, several roads have been cleared for traffic and water has receded from some public areas. Local trains are also running, though most of them are behind schedule. Mumbai's famous
dabbawalas, who deliver lunch to offices, won't operate today. The weather office has, however, forecast more rain in Mumbai today. The India Meteorological Department and the Union Water Ministry have also issued an advisory on "very heavy rainfall" over the next three days in parts of 12 states, including Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The rain on Tuesday, 30 times the average, had brought Mumbai to standstill on Tuesday with water flooding low lying areas. Thousands waded through waist-deep water, abandoning cars to walk.
For complete coverage of Mumbai rains, click here.Mumbai Police Offer Help To Tow Vehicles
The Mumbai Police have taken note of cars and other vehicles left behind and offered free towing service. "If your car is out of fuel/stranded #Diall100 or 8454999999 or tweet us for free towing till the nearest fuel pump or garage #mumbairains," the Mumbai Police tweeted.
Mumbai Civic Authorities Move To Clean Up City
Mumbai's civic authorities today moved in to clear roads which have become slushy and are strewn with garbage, reports news agency PTI. They are also getting ready to tackle a potential rush of patients at municipal hospitals. "Our first and foremost task is to clear traffic... People have left their cars on the roads, so removing them is our first priority," Sudhir Naik, Deputy Municipal Commissioner, said today.
Mumbai May See Less Rain Today: OfficialThe State Disaster Management Authority has said rain in Mumbai is likely to be lesser today. "The India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall for today. However, it is likely to be lesser compared to yesterday," a senior SDMA official said. "Also, there is much lesser congestion expected as the government has already announced that schools and offices will remain shut today," he added.
Some people had to leave their vehicles behind and walk home after heavy rain in Mumbai yesterday (PTI)
BEST Does Its BestMumbai's state-run bus service BEST has been running more buses since yesterday to carry people who have been stranded at several locations across the city. "We ran 109 extra buses on important routes yesterday and today too, we are running additional buses on the Colaba-Thane route," BEST spokesperson Manoj Varade said.
People wade through waist-deep water in Mumbai (AFP)
No Dabbawala Service In Rain-Hit Mumbai TodayMumbai's
dabbawalas or people who deliver lunch to offices today cancelled their delivery of over two lakh tiffins.
Dabbawalas, who had ventured out on their task yesterday, returned home only today morning after being stranded at railway stations, Subhash Talekar, spokesperson of the Mumbai Dabbawala Association, told news agency PTI. "We will resume our services tomorrow," he said.
Indian Navy Opens Food Stalls Across Mumbai
Indian Navy personnel
serve food to people who were stranded in heavy rain in Mumbai.
Mumbai Municipal Body Worked Hard: Shiv Sena
The Shiv Sena, which rules the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, today complimented the civic agency for ensuring that the situation did not "go out of hand". "The BMC's preparedness to tackle the natural calamity ensured that the situation did not go out of hand... Even after heavy rain, no big untoward incident has taken place," the Shiv Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.
Indian Navy distributes breakfast and tea to people at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station
