IMD withdraws heavy rainfall warning in Mumbai; says 'worst is over'

Mumbai: Parts of Mumbai continue to witness moderate rain showers but the meteorological department has said that the 'worst is over'.

The commercial capital of the country since Tuesday has been witnessing downpour accompanied by thunder and lightning which has led to water-logging in many areas.

The Maharashtra government, on Tuesday night instructed schools and colleges in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to remain closed on Wednesday in the wake of heavy rains.

“Schools are instructed to remain close tomorrow for safety due to mixed predictions; This holiday will be compensated in Diwali #MumbaiRains,” tweeted Maharashtra education minister Vinod Tawde.

“The precautionary holiday will be applicable for schools and colleges in Mumbai Metropolitan Region,” he added.

More than 50 flights were cancelled on Wednesday and a total of 56 flights were diverted due to the closure of the main runway at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, reported ANI.

Operations at the Mumbai airport were suspended from 10 pm on Tuesday after the SpiceJet aircraft overshot the main runway.

Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued forecast of intermittent rains. However, the department has withdrawn heavy rain warning and said that the situation will now improve.

"Rainfall will decrease, but light to moderate rainfall will continue in the Mumbai region," Ajay Kumar, Scientist India Meteorological Department Mumbai said.
Deputy municipal commissioner, BMC, Sudhir Naik said that no cyclonic warning has been issued.

Five Western Railways trains were cancelled, six Central Railways trains were cancelled and two were diverted.