Mumbai Rains Update: RED ALERT! Extremely heavy rainfall expected today; schools shut

Mumbai rain updates: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall in the Maharashtra capital and its adjoining areas on Friday. The department has issued a red alert--indicating "extremely heavy rainfall" for Mumbai and neighbouring Raigad, for the next 24 hours. Heavy rainfall will apparently affect the services of railways and aviation service. Heavy rain is still expected in Mumbai, for adjoining areas.

Looking at the flood-like situations in many parts of the city, it was declared a holiday in schools and colleges in Mumbai, Thane, Konkan region for today 19 Sep 2019. Education minister Ashish Shelar on Wednesday took to Twitter and announced the Maharashtra government's decision to declare a holiday for schools and junior colleges in Mumbai, Thane and Konkan region in view of the red alert.

"In view of heavy rainfall forecasts. As a precautionary measure, holiday is declared for all schools & junior colleges in Mumbai, Thane, Konkan region for today 19 Sep 2019. District collectors in other parts of Maharashtra to decide, based on local conditions," Ashish Shelar tweeted.

In view of heavy rainfall forecasts. As a precautionary measure, holiday is declared for all schools & junior colleges in Mumbai, Thane, Konkan region for today 19 Sep 2019. District collectors in other parts of Maharashtra to decide, based on local conditions. #rain

— ashish shelar (@ShelarAshish) September 18, 2019

He further said that after taking cognisance of local conditions, the district collectors in other parts of Maharashtra will decide whether schools will remain closed or not on Friday.

Looking at the yesterday's situation the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has warned the locals on Twitter, to take precautions and avoid venturing into beaches and other vulnerable areas, BMC tweeted " Heavy rainfall today & extremely Heavy Rainfall warning in Mumbai City & Suburbs for the next 24 hrs, issued by #IMD . We request #Mumbaikars to avoid venturing around the sea & into waterlogged areas. Please take care and be careful. For any assistance  #Dial1916"

Heavy rainfall today & extremely Heavy Rainfall warning in Mumbai City & Suburbs for the next 24 hrs, issued by #IMD . We request #Mumbaikars to avoid venturing around the sea & into water logged areas. Please take care and be careful. For any assistance #Dial1916

— माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) September 18, 2019

The weather forecast warns of extremely heavy rain for Mumbai and neighbouring Raigad. Talking about yesterday weather the city had noticed lightning strikes in the afternoon and evening, bringing frequent lightning, heavy rains and waterlogging in lower parts of the area.