Rains Wreak Havoc In Mumbai, Normal Life Crippled

Mumbai: Heavy rains pounded Mumbai, adjoining Navi Mumbai and Thane regions delaying suburban train services and leaving vehicles crawling through water- logged roads in low-lying areas. Traffic jams were reported on all major arterial roads, including the Eastern and Western Express Highway, Sion-Panvel highway and LBS Marg as the rains continued since Monday night.

Water-logging was reported in low-lying areas of Parel and Sion. A tree fell on the busy Saat Rasta road, affecting road traffic. Suburban services were disrupted with trains on all the three lines - western, central and harbour - running late. Water-logging on tracks was reported in Andheri and Bandra. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said the situation was well under control and advised the citizens to step out of their homes only if necessary.

"The metropolis has received heavy rainfall since last night. Between 8.30 am and 12 pm today, the city received 85 mm rainfall," Sudhir Naik, Deputy Municipal Commissioner said. "Step out of homes only if it is too important because water-logging has been reported from several parts of the city," he said. Naik, however, added things were well under control and senior civic officials were keeping a close watch on the situation.

"Despite heavy downpour, no untoward incident has been reported so far," said the official. Commuters were stranded at some places.