Mumbai Rains Today LIVE Updates: ‘Orange’ alert on till Tuesday as city braces for wet week ahead; Air India flight overshoots runway while landing

By | July 21, 2025
Mumbai rains Air India runway incident causes waterlogging and delays

Mumbai, July 21 — The city of dreams is facing yet another bout of relentless rainfall, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) placing Mumbai and surrounding regions under an ‘orange’ alert until Tuesday morning. As monsoon showers drench the financial capital, daily life has taken a hit—waterlogging, transport delays, and flight disruptions have become routine. Adding to the chaos, an Air India flight veered off the runway during landing amid torrential rains, triggering safety concerns.

Torrential Rains Drench Mumbai

Over the past 24 hours, Mumbai has witnessed heavy to very heavy rainfall, with suburban Santacruz recording more than 115 mm of precipitation. In contrast, southern Mumbai’s Colaba area received about 11 mm of rain, showing how uneven the rainfall patterns remain.

The IMD has warned of intermittent heavy showers, thunderstorms, and strong winds for the next few days. The orange alert signifies that authorities must remain prepared for adverse conditions that could disrupt civic life.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has deployed extra pumps to tackle flooding in low-lying areas such as Sion, Kurla, Andheri Subway, Hindmata, and Chembur. Roads in Dadar, Parel, and Jogeshwari were submerged by Monday morning, causing severe traffic snarls.

Local Transport: Struggles for Commuters

Mumbai’s lifeline—the local train network—was also impacted. Services on the Central Railway and Western Railway lines experienced frequent delays due to waterlogged tracks and signal issues. Several commuters reported waiting over 30 minutes for trains to arrive, while others abandoned platforms altogether.

The BEST bus service diverted routes in flooded zones, and private cabs were hard to find as roads turned into slow-moving rivers. Ride-sharing apps reflected surge pricing, further frustrating office-goers and students.

The Eastern Express Highway and Western Express Highway were jam-packed by 9 a.m., and despite traffic police being deployed in larger numbers, gridlocks were observed in major stretches.

Air India Plane Overshoots Runway

In a dramatic incident early Monday morning, Air India flight AI-2744, arriving from Kochi to Mumbai, overshot the runway during landing. The incident occurred at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) amid heavy rain and slippery conditions.

Though the aircraft’s three tyres burst during landing, all 180 passengers and crew were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. Eyewitnesses said the plane bounced unusually before skidding slightly off the main runway.

Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) immediately launched an investigation into the cause. A preliminary report suggests reduced visibility and wet tarmac may have played a role, but pilot error and mechanical malfunction haven’t been ruled out yet.

Following the incident, the main runway (09/27) was temporarily closed for inspection and repairs. Airport authorities shifted operations to the secondary runway (14/32), resulting in flight delays and cancellations throughout the day.

Flights Delayed and Canceled

Heavy rainfall combined with the runway incident significantly impacted airport operations. Passengers traveling on IndiGo, Vistara, Air India, and Akasa Air reported delays of over 2 hours, missed connections, and confusion at boarding gates.

Airport authorities have urged travelers to check flight statuses in real-time, advising those with non-urgent travel plans to consider rescheduling.

Air India, in its official statement, emphasized that passenger safety is paramount and that the aircraft involved in the incident would remain grounded pending a detailed safety inspection.

Weather Ahead: Wet Week in Store

According to the IMD’s forecast, rainfall is expected to continue throughout the week, with the potential for isolated very heavy rainfall events in some parts of Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar.

Here’s a quick look at the upcoming weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Orange alert in place, heavy rainfall expected in isolated areas
  • Wednesday–Thursday: Yellow alert; moderate to heavy rainfall with thunderstorms
  • Friday: Rainfall likely to reduce but local showers expected

Meteorologists say the offshore trough along the Maharashtra-Goa coast is intensifying the monsoon current, leading to these sustained downpours.

Authorities on High Alert

The Mumbai Disaster Management Unit is on standby, with emergency response teams stationed across the city. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is also ready for deployment in flood-prone zones.

The BMC has urged residents to stay indoors unless necessary, avoid traveling through waterlogged streets, and report fallen trees, open manholes, or building damages on its emergency helpline.

Residents in landslide-prone areas such as Malabar Hill, Ghatkopar, and Sakinaka have been cautioned against venturing near slopes and construction sites.

Public Response and Safety Tips

While the monsoon is not new to Mumbaikars, the city’s ageing drainage infrastructure and increasing urban sprawl make it harder to manage rainfall each year.

On social media, users shared images of submerged streets, stalled vehicles, and even school children wading through knee-deep water. The hashtag #MumbaiRains trended on X (formerly Twitter) with citizens urging each other to stay safe and alert.

Here are a few safety tips issued by the city administration:

  • Avoid driving or walking through flooded streets
  • Stay tuned to IMD updates and BMC announcements
  • Carry umbrellas, wear raincoats, and use waterproof bags for electronics
  • Report waterlogging and tree falls to 1916 or via the MCGM mobile app
  • Keep emergency contacts handy

Conclusion

As Mumbai grapples with heavy rains and aviation safety concerns, the resilience of its citizens once again takes center stage. The combination of civic preparedness, public cooperation, and real-time communication will be key in minimizing further disruptions. For now, the city remains watchful, hoping for clear skies ahead while bracing for yet another wet week.