Torrential rains lash Mumbai: Landslide claims two lives, red alert in place

Two people lost their lives and two others sustained injuries after a landslide struck Jankalyan Society in Mumbai’s Vikhroli (West) on Saturday, officials confirmed. The incident occurred in Varsha Nagar, Vikhroli Park Site, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The city woke up to relentless downpours, leading to widespread waterlogging in several areas including Gandhi Market, Kings Circle, Andheri Subway, Kurla, Chembur, Milan Subway, and the SCLR Bridge, visuals shared by ANI showed. Severe inundation was also reported at Sion Railway Station, disrupting movement in the affected pockets.



The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai and Raigad, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, while an orange alert has been sounded for Thane on August 16–17. Fishermen have been strictly advised to stay ashore, with IMD warning of squally winds reaching 40–50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, along the North Konkan coast. Wind speeds are expected to intensify to 45–55 kmph with gusts up to 65 kmph from August 17–19.


As per IMD’s Colaba and Santacruz observatories, Mumbai has recorded 1,119.2 mm and 1,435.7 mm of rainfall respectively since the monsoon season began. The city also witnessed intense showers on Independence Day. IMD Mumbai chief Shubhangi Bhute explained that the rainfall activity is being driven by an east-west trough extending from southern Gangetic West Bengal to the east-central Arabian Sea, influenced by a low-pressure area over south Odisha and adjoining regions. Rainfall across Maharashtra is expected to intensify between August 15–20.



Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh, the monsoon death toll has climbed to 257, including 133 rain-related fatalities caused by landslides, flash floods, and house collapses, while 124 deaths were linked to road accidents. As of Friday evening, 406 roads, including two national highways, remained blocked. Over 450 power transformers and 222 water supply schemes were also disrupted, according to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA).

Connectivity remains worst-hit in Mandi (174 roads blocked), Kullu (79), Shimla (59), and Kinnaur (48), with landslides and falling debris continuing to hamper key routes like NH-305 in Kullu’s Khanag area and NH-05 in Kinnaur. Power outages were widespread across Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla, while several water supply schemes in Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts remain non-functional.

Restoration work is underway, with authorities prioritising the reopening of highways and restoring electricity and water supply. Officials have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel as heavy rainfall is expected to persist in the coming days.