

Amidst heavy rains in Mumbai, the BMC declared an emergency holiday for schools and colleges in the city. The decision was made to ensure the safety of students after a "red alert" was issued by the India Meteorological Department predicting extremely heavy rainfall. The civic body also urged citizens to only step out if necessary and to check weather updates and plan accordingly. Heavy rains have caused chaos in the city, with local trains stopping and traffic crawling. Stay updated on the latest business news and stock market updates with Zee Business.
Mumbai Braces for Torrential Rains: BMC Declares School Holiday, Issues Safety Advisories
Background
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted extremely heavy rainfall in Mumbai, leading to a "red alert" warning. The city has a long history of severe flooding during monsoon season, which can cause significant damage to infrastructure, property, and livelihoods.
BMC Declares Emergency Holiday
In response to the impending weather conditions, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared an emergency holiday for all schools and colleges in the city. The decision aims to ensure the safety of students during the heavy downpour.
Safety Advisories
The BMC has urged citizens to exercise caution and take the following precautions:
Current Situation
Heavy rains have already begun to lash Mumbai, causing widespread chaos. Local train services have been suspended due to waterlogging on tracks. Traffic is crawling in several areas, leading to long delays and inconvenience.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q1: What is the reason for the heavy rains in Mumbai? A1: The monsoon season has brought heavy rainfall to the city, and the IMD has issued a "red alert" predicting extremely heavy rainfall.
Q2: Why has the BMC declared an emergency holiday for schools and colleges? A2: The BMC has prioritized the safety of students by declaring a holiday during the heavy rains to prevent any potential danger or inconvenience caused by flooding.
Q3: Are there any flood-prone areas in Mumbai that I should avoid? A3: Yes, there are several flood-prone areas in Mumbai, including Sion, Kurla, Dadar, Andheri, and Bandra. Avoid these areas during heavy rainfall.
Q4: What should I do if I encounter a flooded area? A4: Stay away from flooded areas, do not attempt to cross them by foot or vehicle. If you must cross, use a designated bridge or elevated footpath.
Q5: Where can I find real-time weather updates? A5: You can find real-time weather updates on the IMD website, weather apps, and local news channels.

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