Mumbai Rains: Leptospirosis, chikungunya cases rising in the city due to incessant rainfall

Amid continuous downpour in the city, there has been rising number of cases of leptospirosis and chikunguniya in July. In last one week, Mumbai reported 104 new cases of leptospirosis. Moreover, the cases of leptospirosis and chikungunya reported in Mumbai in the first 16 days of July exceeded the total reported in June, the report on monsoon-related diseases compiled by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.

Meanwhile, The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has extended its ‘red alert’ in Mumbai till 8:30am on Friday considering the continuous widespread rainfall across the city. The initial warning was issued on Wednesday. The city is likely to get ‘extremely heavy’ rainfall in a few locations until Friday, although it was initially predicted that the intensity of rains will start reducing today. Officials said continuous showers should be expected over the next two days, and that a dry spell is not likely before the first week of August.South Mumbai received extremely heavy 24-hour precipitation till 8.30am. The Colaba weather station received 223.2mm, while Santacruz in the suburbs recorded 145.1mm. This is up significantly from 23mm and 29mm, respectively, a day before.Bandra recorded 106mm, Dahisar 70.5mm, Ram Mandir 161mm, Chembur 86.5mm, Byculla 119mm, CSMT 153.5mm, Matunga 78.5mm, and Sion saw 112mm of rain in that period.