Torrential Rains Cripple Mumbai and Kolkata, Andheri Subway Flooded, High Tide Alert Issued

Heavy monsoon rains have wreaked havoc across Mumbai and Kolkata, causing major disruptions in daily life. Since early morning, Mumbai has witnessed continuous heavy downpours, flooding roads, railway underpasses, and subways. One of the worst-affected areas is Andheri, where the Andheri Subway has been completely submerged, prompting the authorities to shut it down for vehicular movement.Due to waterlogging, traffic congestion has intensified across western suburbs like Sion, Kurla, and Goregaon. Local train services — Mumbai’s lifeline — are running with delays, and flights have also been affected. The BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) has deployed pumps to drain the water, while high tide warnings have raised further alarm.According to the IMD, a 4.44-meter high tide is expected at 1:22 PM, and with continued rainfall, this could lead to more low-lying areas getting inundated. Beach areas like Juhu, Marine Drive, Bandra, and Madh Island have been closed to the public as a precaution. An orange alert has been issued for Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Palghar for the next four days due to persistent heavy rain forecasts.Meanwhile, Kolkata is also grappling with heavy rainfall. Key areas such as Central Avenue have reported severe waterlogging. Overnight rains have left several roads underwater, crippling public transport and affecting office-goers and residents.In both cities, municipal authorities are working round the clock to clear drainage systems and respond to emergency situations. However, the images coming in from Mumbai and Kolkata reveal flooded roads, stranded commuters, and overwhelmed drainage systems — once again exposing the vulnerability of major Indian metros to intense monsoon spells.Citizens are advised to stay indoors, avoid low-lying areas, and follow alerts issued by the weather department and local authorities.