Mumbai on red alert; BMC declares holiday for schools, colleges on August 19

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday announced that all schools and colleges in Mumbai city and suburbs will remain closed on Tuesday, August 19, in view of a red alert warning issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The civic body, in a post on X, said the IMD has predicted “extremely heavy rainfall” over Mumbai on Tuesday.

“In view of the same, District Disaster Management Authority (BMC), hereby declares a holiday for all Government, Private and Municipal schools and colleges in Mumbai (City and Suburbs),” the statement read.



The BMC’s directive comes after continuous spells of heavy showers over the past few days disrupted normal life in the city, leading to waterlogging in several low-lying areas and traffic snarls on major routes.

A red alert, the highest category of warning issued by the IMD, signifies the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 204.5 mm in 24 hours. Authorities have urged citizens to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and take adequate precautions.

CM Fadnavis reviews situation, asks citizens to take precautions

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Mumbai received 177 millimetres of rain in just six to eight hours on Monday and asked citizens to take precautions as more showers are expected along with high tides.

According to a statement from the chief minister’s office, seven people have died in rain-related incidents across the state in the last two days.

Fadnavis chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the State Disaster Management Cell in Mantralaya and instructed all departments to remain on high alert in view of the IMD’s red alert predicting extremely heavy rainfall in several parts of the state between August 17 and 21. Divisional commissioners provided updates on rainfall and damages, including rivers in the Konkan region crossing danger marks and major crop losses across 4 lakh hectares. Jalgaon has reported significant damage, while around 800 villages in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division have been affected.

“Offices have been told to allow workers to leave for home at 4 pm. After 6.30 pm, 3m to 4m tides are expected. Citizens must not venture out without reason,” Fadnavis told reporters. He emphasised that the next 10 to 12 hours are “crucial for Mumbai” and authorised district collectors and municipal bodies to take decisions on declaring school holidays and implementing relief measures.

The chief minister said police have been instructed to stay vigilant at tourist spots, monitor landslide-prone areas, and ensure relief centres are equipped with food, clean water and bedding.

Ashish Shelar reviews Mumbai preparedness

Mumbai suburban district guardian minister Ashish Shelar also reviewed the situation through the BMC’s disaster management cell. He said rainfall, flooding, school conditions and public transport were being closely monitored.

“Local train services were functional with some disruptions, while BEST has been instructed to operate additional bus services if passengers are stranded at major (railway) terminals such as Dadar and Mumbai Central,” Shelar said.

He added that senior civic and police officials were on the ground, ensuring that fallen trees and branches at 30 to 40 locations were being cleared swiftly to restore traffic. One person was injured at Napean Sea Road after a protection wall collapsed on a tree during the downpour.

Shelar said pumping stations were working optimally and water receding levels were being closely tracked.

(With inputs from agencies)