Two people die as torrential rains bring Mumbai to a standstill

Mumbai

 A woman and a five-year-old boy were electrocuted as heavy downpours battered Mumbai and adjoining areas on Friday, flooding roads and railway tracks, bringing life to a standstill.

The island city witnessed 283 mm of rainfall in 24 hours, grinding the railways to a halt.

Most offices and government departments, except the emergency services, were shut as the floods paralysed Mumbai suburban railway.

The Meteorological department has predicted more heavy rainfall for the next 24 hours.

With more rains predicted, authorities have requested the schools to remain closed on Saturday.

 At least three flights were diverted due to the weather; the flights that operated to and from Mumbai were running at least 45 minutes late.

Mithi, Mumbai's very own river was inching towards the danger mark on Friday.

The river had touched the 2.5-metre-mark, with the danger mark set at 2.7 metres. High tides made the situation even worse.

“Almost 4 m high tide expected around 2 pm. Appealing everyone to avoid going near the sea. Please avoid going out of homes. Be safe!” tweeted CM Devendra Fadnavis.

Due to haphazard construction and lack of planning, the gates of the drainage flowing into the sea are shut during high tides to avoid the water entering Mumbai.