The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Mumbai on Tuesday, July 15, as heavy rains accompanied by gusty winds battered the city and its suburbs. Waterlogging was reported in several areas of Mumbai and surrounding districts, including Navi Mumbai and Thane. The weather department also issued a red alert for Raigad and a yellow alert for Palghar, as heavy to very heavy rainfall affected normal life in these districts. A holiday was declared for schools and other educational institutions in Panvel and Raigad.
In view of heavy rains, Mumbai Police also request residents to avoid visiting coastal and low-lying areas. Emergency numbers 100 / 112 / 103 were also issued for Mumbaikars for help and assistance. An orange alert is issued by IMD when rainfall is expected between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm in 24 hours.
Due to heavy downpour, a holiday has been declared in several districts of Maharashtra, including Raigad and Panvel. Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) announced a holiday for all government, private, primary and secondary schools within its jurisdiction on Tuesday. The decision has been taken under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and on the recommendation of the District Collector and the District Magistrate's Office, Raigad-Alibag, to ensure the safety of students.
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Waterlogging in Navi Mumbai
"This holiday has been declared in accordance with the early warning issued by IMD and ongoing heavy rainfall in Raigad district. The safety of students and teaching staff is our top priority," said Mangesh Chitale
Raigad District Collector Kishan N. Jawale has declared a holiday for all educational institutions in six talukas. Mangaon, Tala, Roha, Pali, Mahad, and Poladpur, where continuous overnight rainfall and strong winds have caused flooding.
The Regional Meteorological Centre of IMD posted on a social media platform, "In some places in the districts of Konkan and in the ghat areas of central Maharashtra, there is a possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall."
"Heavy to very heavy rainfall very likely to occur at a few places in the districts of Konkan and at isolated places in ghat areas of Madhya Maharashtra."