Heavy Rain Alerts Issued in India: 8 Dead, Mithi River Crosses Danger Level

TDT | Manama

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At least eight people have died amid heavy rain and floods across Maharashtra, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues alerts for continued downpours through August 21. Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar districts have been placed under an extremely heavy rainfall warning, with authorities urging residents to stay indoors unless necessary.

The Mithi river, flowing through Mumbai, has risen above the danger level to 4.07 metres, prompting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and local police to alert nearby communities. Residents of Bhandup and Vikhroli have been relocated as a precaution against potential landslides. Several beaches, including Juhu, Versova, Aksa, and Gorai, have been evacuated, while authorities caution the public at other popular spots such as Marine Drive, Worli Sea Face, Bandra Carter Road, and Madh Island.

Suburban train services are facing delays due to waterlogging on tracks. Central Railway trains are 15–20 minutes behind schedule between Ghatkopar, Vidyavihar, Kurla, Sion, and Matunga stations. Harbour Line trains are delayed 20–25 minutes between Kurla, Tilak Nagar, and Govandi, while Western Railway lines are running slowly due to waterlogging at Mahim and Matunga Road.

In addition to Maharashtra, the IMD has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall over Kolkata and southern districts of West Bengal due to a deep depression that formed in the Bay of Bengal. Fishermen along the coasts of South Bengal and Odisha have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea until Friday. Thunderstorms are expected in Kolkata and districts including Howrah, Hooghly, North and South 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura, and Murshidabad over the next few days.

The weather office has also predicted extremely heavy rainfall in parts of north Telangana on August 19, with isolated heavy rain in coastal Karnataka on August 19–20. Kerala, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and interior Karnataka may see isolated very heavy rainfall, while Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning over the next five days.

Authorities have urged residents across affected regions to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow official advisories as heavy rains continue to batter the country.