27 Jun 2018 | 03:25 AM UTC
India: Deadly monsoon rains continue in west
Heavy monsoon rains result in at least ten deaths in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Thane since Sunday, while at least four killed in southern Gujarat state; road and rail traffic disrupted
Event
As of Tuesday, June 26, heavy monsoon rains in Mumbai (Maharashtra state), Navi Mumbai, and Thane had left at least ten people dead since Sunday, June 24. Over 230 mm (9 in) of rain was recorded in a 24-hour period as of Monday morning, June 25, marking the first time over 200 mm of precipitation has fallen in Mumbai this year. Several Mumbai neighborhoods were flooded, including Chunabhatti, Wadala, Dadar, Malad, Kurla, Gamdevi, and Santacruz-Chembur Link Road, and significant material damage has been reported as a result of the rain, including collapsed walls and cars buried in flood debris. Significant disruptions to road traffic were reported due to impassable roads. Train service on the Central and Western Railway was also disrupted due to waterlogged tracks around Thane, Sion, Tilak Nagar, Kandivali, Borivali, and Kalwa stations. Waters reportedly began to recede by Monday evening, with Monday's heavy rain giving way to intermittent showers by Tuesday; however, thunderstorms are once again forecast for Wednesday, June 27.
Meanwhile, monsoon weather also lashed Gujarat state to the north of Mumbai in recent days, leaving four people dead in the state's south since Sunday. The cities of Navsari, Vadodara, and Surat experienced significant flooding in low-lying areas, prompting authorities to launch rescue operations. Authorities warned that heavy to very heavy rain was predicted into Wednesday, June 27, in the Saurashtra region and North Gujarat.
Context
India's monsoon season generally runs from June through September. The current season is expected to bring normal levels of rainfall, with a 20 percent chance of above-average or below-average precipitation.
Advice
Individuals in the abovementioned areas are advised to monitor developments to weather forecasts as monsoon season gets underway. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.
