According to a Skymet Weather report, Santacruz observatory in Mumbai received 25 mm of rainfall till 5.30 am on Saturday. Citizens have been asked to stay indoors as much as possible.
The India Meteorological Department also issued advisory asking residents to stay indoors. The statement read, “As rainfall activity is likely to enhance from 8th June with a further increase on 9th June, people are advised to abstain from outdoor activities as much as possible during the period and also watch for the weather.”
Deputy Director general, western region, K S Hosalikar said yesterday, “Monsoon has not arrived in Mumbai as of now and the rains in the city and adjoining areas since morning are pre-monsoon showers”.
Leaves of all senior officials have been cancelled by the BMC to prepare for any emergency.
Fishermen have been asked not to venture into the sea and tourists have been asked to stay away from coastal areas, said an IMD official in Mumbai.
Three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) will be stationed at Parel, Mankhurd (for assistance in eastern suburbs) and Andheri Sports Complex (for western suburbs).
Even though there is no water on the tracks, suburban train services can be affected by 10-15 minutes delay.
Navy personnel will be deployed in Colaba, Worli, Ghatkopar, Trombay and Malad for flood rescue. Six Flood Rescue Teams of Mumbai Fire Brigade will be posted at the Regional Command Centres.
Education officers have been told to keep the schools open for shelter if there is flooding.
With the heavy downpour in the city, IMD said monsoon has reached the Konkan coast. As per the IMD forecast, there is a possibility of very heavy rainfall in the Konkan districts of Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Palghar on June 9, 10 and 11.
Image Source – Mid-Day