Amid torrential rains in Mumbai, BMC cancels leaves of all its employees

Mumbai (Maharashtra): The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday cancelled the leaves of all its employees and asked them to join their duty in the wake of torrential rains in the city that brought the commercial capital of India to a standstill.

BMC PRO said that BMC has cancelled leaves of all employees and has asked them to join back.

According to BMC Control Room, 200 trees/ branches fell and 70 short circuits were reported till Tuesday evening.

As various regions of Maharashtra are receiving incessant downpour since yesterday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has informed that there would no relief for the state in the coming hours and heavy showers are expected to continue.

Mumbai on Tuesday recorded 297.6mm rain in 9 hours (8:30am-5:30pm), higher than any 24-hour rain in August in a decade.

The traffic in Mumbai has come to a standstill owing to the heavy downpour.

Electricity supply failed at Sion Hospital. Resident doctors said only the emergency ward is working.

Central Railway said that Kopar Khairane-Thane transharbour services and Kalva-Thane suburban services have been suspended due to water logging.

Western Railways said that services between Churchgate and Andheri are still suspended because of heavy rains and water logging (upto 300mm above rail level) between Lower Parel, Elphistone and Dadar.

A tube boat is being used for rescue operations in Dadar,which is facing massive water logging.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that due to IMD warnings, people in Mumbai and areas around the city are advised to stay home unless there is an emergency.

Fadnavis also instructed suspension of toll collection at all Mumbai entry points and sea link till situation is back to normal.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Education Minister Vinod Tawde said that all educational institutions in Mumbai will remain closed tomorrow.

President Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minsiter Rajnath Singh expressed concern over the heavy downpour in Mumbai.

President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted, "Thoughts with families, especially children, in Mumbai & western parts of country hit by heavy downpour."

"Govt and public agencies taking all steps amid heavy rains. Glad to note voluntary groups and citizens too coming together (sic)," he added.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi too assured full assistance to the state government in mitigating the situation.

In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said that he also spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the situation arising due to incessant rain.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said he spoke to Fadnavis and promised all possible support from the Centre.

"Had a telephonic conversation with Maharashtra CM Shri @Dev_Fadnavis regarding the situation due to heavy rains in Mumbai and nearby areas (sic)," he tweeted.

"I also assured the Maharashtra CM of all possible help from the Centre. The NDRF teams have already reached Mumbai for rescue & relief ops (sic)," his another tweet said.

Indian Navy said that it had pressed five flood rescue teams and two diving teams to render assistance at different locations across Mumbai.

The rains have come when the city is celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi. Ganesh pandals have come forward to help out people stranded in the rains. And, Gurudwaras have also come forward to serve langar (food) to needy people.

Siddhivinayak temple is providing shelter, tea and snacks to people stuck in the area.