Mumbai Rain Alert: The country's financial capital Mumbai and its neighbouring districts received heavy rains on Wednesday. Two flights were diverted due to the rains that have been going on since the afternoon. Due to heavy rains, low-lying areas of the city were flooded, slowing down road traffic. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'red alert' for Mumbai. According to the IMD, there is a possibility of very heavy rains here till 8:30 am on Thursday.

IMD issued a red alert for rain

The Meteorological Department issued the latest warning on Wednesday evening, 'Very heavy rain and thundershowers with lightning and strong winds are likely at isolated places' in Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Ratnagiri districts. The IMD has issued an 'Orange Alert' for the coastal districts of Palghar and Sindhudurg. In which 'heavy to very heavy rain and thundershowers with lightning and strong winds are likely at isolated places.'

Schools and colleges closed in Mumbai amid red alert

Schools and colleges will remain closed on Thursday (September 26) amid a 'red alert' for heavy rains. School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar has declared a holiday due to heavy rains in Mumbai. BMC said, keeping in mind the safety of students, all schools and colleges under the jurisdiction of BMC will remain closed on Thursday.

BMC appealed to people to stay in their homes

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has appealed to citizens to step out of their homes only when absolutely necessary. It said, travellers are advised to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.

Many flights were diverted after heavy rain.

Heavy rains in Mumbai since Wednesday afternoon have left the city and its surrounding areas submerged. Officials said that due to heavy rains, waterlogging and poor visibility slowed down road traffic. Suburban rail services, which are considered the lifeline of Mumbai, are also running late due to rain.