India: Plane overshoots runway amid heavy rains in Mumbai Sep. 19

Event

Heavy rains pounded Mumbai on Tuesday, September 19, prompting a temporary suspension of flight operations at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM). The areas most affected by the rains include south Mumbai, Kandivili, Borivali, Andheri, and Bandhup.​ Per local media reports, some 13 flights were forced to abort landings, and seven more were redirected to land at Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Vadodera airports due to low visibility. The rains also caused a SpiceJet flight (SG 703 from Varanasi) to overshoot the runway upon landing, and instead land in a muddy, marshy area; all passengers were reported safe. Although now operational, BOM's main runway will remain closed until the SpiceJet plane involved in the incident is cleared, expected to take until at least 10:30 (local time) on Wednesday, September 20.

Though significant road or rail transportation blockages have not been reported, continuing rains have caused transportation delays in some affected areas and more are possible. Mumbai-area schools are also to be closed on Wednesday, September 20, as a precautionary measure in anticipation of possible flooding and consequent transportation disruptions. Local disaster management officials have warned Mumbai citizens to take appropriate flood precautions as more rain is expected through the week in the north Konkan region of Maharashtra state, including Mumbai. Expect potentially significant land and air transportation disruptions in the coming days in Mumbai.

Context

Strong rainfall is common in India during the monsoon season, which runs between June and September.

Advice

Individuals present in India are advised to follow all instructions as issued by local authorities and to anticipate transportation disruptions and potentially hazardous conditions. Be prepared to leave immediately if an evacuation order is given. Monitor any relevant developments to the situation via local media, the authorities, and reliable weather reporting outlets. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock you over. Finally, because floodwater may also contain wastewater or chemical products, wear boots and try to avoid any contact with the water. All items having come into contact with the water should be washed and disinfected. Dispose of any food that may have come into contact with floodwater.