Mumbai on Red Alert as Record May Rainfall Triggers Flooding
Mumbai is facing unprecedented rainfall in the last week of May, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for the city. This has resulted in massive traffic disruptions, flooded streets, and damage to critical infrastructure, catching residents and authorities off guard.
Record Rainfall Breaks Century-Old Mark
On May 26, 2025, Mumbai recorded 439 mm of rainfall at the Colaba station—surpassing the city’s previous May record of 279.4 mm set in 1918. The Santacruz observatory recorded 272 mm during the same period. The rainfall within 24 hours has exceeded the city’s average monthly quota for May, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Public Infrastructure Crumbles Under Pressure
Low-lying areas such as Hindmata, Dadar TT, Parel, Kalachowki, and JJ Marg experienced knee-deep water, leading to complete traffic standstill and delays in emergency services. The KEM Hospital’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) was flooded with ankle-deep water, raising alarm over the safety of patients and critical medical equipment.
Even newly launched public infrastructure could not withstand the deluge. The Acharya Atre Chowk station on Mumbai Metro Line-3 saw flooding after water barriers failed, leading to the suspension of train services at the station just weeks after its inauguration.
Red Alert and High Tide Add to the Chaos
The IMD red alert warned of extremely heavy rainfall continuing into the next 24 hours. What made matters worse was a high tide of 4.75 meters at 11:24 am, with another tide expected later in the evening, amplifying waterlogging across the city. Officials warned that high tide during heavy rainfall severely slows down the city’s ability to drain floodwater into the sea.
Monsoon Arrives Early, Adding to Woes
The early onset of the southwest monsoon, which typically reaches Mumbai around June 11, made landfall on May 26 this year—marking the earliest arrival in nearly 25 years. This unseasonal advance has overwhelmed Mumbai’s drainage infrastructure, which is usually not prepared for monsoon activity this early in the season.
Authorities have urged citizens to stay indoors, avoid travel unless necessary, and monitor official advisories for updates. Emergency response teams have been deployed across critical points, and schools have been shut down as a precautionary measure.
