Mumbai, Pune Rain Updates: IMD Issues Red Alert; Schools, Offices Closed in Lonavala, Panvel, Thane, Raigad

Mumbai, Pune and several regions of Maharashtra continues to battle the aftermath of relentless rainfall that has pounded the city over the last 48 hours, recording over 1,000 mm of rain and leading to severe waterlogging in multiple areas. The torrential downpour has paralysed daily life, submerging roads, halting traffic, and prompting the closure of educational institutions and government offices.

Mumbai, Pune Weather Updates

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier issued a prolonged red alert for the city, forcing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to take precautionary measures on August 18 and 19.

Mumbai Rains: IMD Issues Fresh Red Alerts in Maharashtra

As per the latest weather update, the IMD has extended the red alert to key districts of Maharashtra, including Pune, Thane, and Raigad, warning of extremely heavy rainfall in these regions. While Mumbai remains under an orange alert for now, moderate to heavy spells of rain are expected throughout the day. Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors and avoid non-essential travel due to the risk of further waterlogging and flash floods.

Schools, Colleges Closed in Mumbai, Pune & Other Rain Affected Regions

In response to the ongoing weather crisis, several municipal bodies across Maharashtra have ordered the closure of schools and colleges. While the BMC has not yet officially announced a school holiday in Mumbai for August 20, uncertainty looms among students and parents, especially in flood-prone areas like Andheri, Worli, Thane, Hindmata, and Chembur. The BMC also issued a clarification on its social media handles, dismissing viral fake messages falsely claiming school closures.

However, confirmed reports state that all educational institutions in Lonavala will remain shut on August 20 and 21. The Lonavala Municipal Council issued an official order declaring a two-day holiday for all primary, secondary, and higher secondary schools under its jurisdiction, citing safety concerns.

The announcement applies to all schools regardless of the board or language of instruction. Schools in Panvel, Navi Mumbai, and Thane have also been ordered to remain closed on August 20 due to ongoing red and orange alerts in those regions.

Adding to the disruptions, Mumbai University has rescheduled an examination originally planned for August 19 to August 23.

City Faces Severe Waterlogging and Infrastructure Strain

Heavy flooding has severely impacted roadways and infrastructure in Mumbai. Waist-deep water has been reported in multiple parts of the city, including Bandra Khar Link Road, Chunabhatti, Vasai-Virar, Chembur, and surrounding localities. Commuters were seen struggling through inundated streets, and several vehicles were stranded as the drainage system buckled under the intense pressure of rainfall.

Despite partial relief in rain intensity on Wednesday morning, waterlogging and transportation delays continue to affect daily life, and the situation remains fluid as weather conditions evolve.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has instructed all relevant departments and agencies to remain on high alert as the state grapples with continued heavy rainfall. After a high-level cabinet meeting on Tuesday, the Chief Minister directed district collectors to provide immediate assistance to those affected by the floods.

"All agencies have been directed to ensure timely support in case of any loss of life, livestock, or property. Damage to agriculture must be assessed promptly, and panchnamas should be conducted without delay. Compensation will be disbursed as per National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) norms," Fadnavis said in a statement to IANS.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and any changes in school schedules or public advisories will be issued through official BMC channels. Citizens, particularly parents and students, are urged to stay tuned to credible sources for real-time updates and refrain from sharing or believing unverified information circulating on social media.