Mumbai: It's been raining heavily in Mumbai since early Thursday morning and has exposed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) that is still preparing itself to prevent and tackle monsoon-related disasters. Today's pre-monsoon showers have caused severe water-logging in several parts of the city. Road traffic has been hit as people are finding it tough to reach their workplaces on time.

Flooding was reported from Bandra, Andheri, Dadar, Parel's Hind Mata Junction, Kings Circle, Cuff Parade and Borivli. Disaster management authorities have warned about very heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours.

According to news agency ANI, a Jet airways London-Mumbai flight (9W-117) has been diverted to Ahmedaba. The Western Railway authorities have warned commuters not to use the service if rain is over 70 mm. Some passenger trains have been delayed.



A look at what people from Mumbai are posting about the rains on Twitter today: 


















BMC administration has claimed to have taken a number of precautionary measures to tackle any eventuality in view of extremely heavy rainfall warning by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) from June 9 to 11, a statement issued by the civic body said.

"Leaves of all the senior officials, including Deputy Municipal commissioners (DMCs), Assistant Commissioners (AMCs) and heads of departments have been cancelled and they have been directed to be available in their headquarters on June 9 and 10 (Saturday and Sunday)," it said.

On the steps being taken, the BMC said three teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) will be stationed at Parel, Mankhurd (for eastern suburbs) and Andheri Sports Complex (for western suburbs). They are equipped with walkie-talkies and flood rescue material.

Besides, Navy personnel will be deployed in Colaba, Worli, Ghatkopar, Trombay, Malad for flood rescue if required, the BMC release said.

In addition to this, six Flood Rescue Teams of Mumbai Fire Brigade will be posted at the Regional Command Centres and emergency support functions like BEST (bus transport system), police, traffic police and education officers have been alerted.

The education officers monitoring school premises in all 24 administrative wards have been asked to keep shelter schools open 247. Dewatering pumps will be kept ready and flood-prone spots will be monitored closely during the heavy rain period, statement said.

As per the IMD forecast, there is a possibility of very heavy rainfall in Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Palghar districts on June 9. There is a similar forecast for the six districts of Konkan region, including Mumbai, and surrounding areas on June 10 and 11.

(With additional information from PTI)