Mumbai Braces for Intense Rainfall, Schools and Colleges Closed Amid Red Alert

Heavy rain continues to batter Mumbai and neighbouring districts, prompting authorities to issue fresh warnings as the city braces for more intense downpours on Tuesday, July 7. According to ANI, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Pune and the Ghats of Nashik, forecasting very heavy rainfall, strong winds and the possibility of waterlogging.

With the weather expected to remain severe, many residents are asking whether schools, colleges and offices will remain closed on July 7.

Are Mumbai schools and colleges closed on July 7?

Yes. According to ANI, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) schools will remain closed on Tuesday, July 7, following continuous heavy rainfall across the city.

Speaking to reporters, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde said authorities could even consider extending the closure if weather conditions do not improve.

"A 'Red' alert has been issued, looking at the prediction of heavy rains, strong winds and high tide. We are sending weather alerts to citizens every half an hour and urging them to avoid stepping outside. All BMC schools are closed today and tomorrow; this could be extended by a day or two. We have also asked private companies to allow work from home. Local train services are operational. The entire Administration is working on a war footing. People should avoid going outdoors till 8-10th July due to rains," she said.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also confirmed that schools and colleges will remain closed in view of the worsening weather.

Are offices closed tomorrow?

No official order has been issued to close government or private offices across Mumbai.

However, according to ANI, the Mumbai Mayor said private companies have been requested to allow employees to work from home wherever possible to reduce travel during the severe weather.

People have been advised to avoid non-essential travel, especially during periods of heavy rainfall and high tide.

High tide warning issued for Mumbai

After reviewing the flood situation at the Disaster Control Room in Mantralaya, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis warned residents about the high tide expected on Tuesday afternoon.

"Mumbai will have high tide from 3 pm onwards today. If it rains heavily during the time of high tide, we will experience waterlogging. Fierce winds are expected post noon, which is likely to cross 60 to 70 km per hour. People from landslide-prone areas have been evacuated. Nashik is identified as the high alert zone for tomorrow," the Chief Minister said.

The IMD has forecast very heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds of 60-70 kmph, increasing the risk of flooding, falling trees and transport disruptions.

Rain leaves trail of destruction across Mumbai

According to ANI, heavy rain has already caused widespread disruption across Mumbai.

The BMC reported that six people died in a building collapse in Mankhurd, while another 63-year-old man lost his life in Kurla (West) after a tree fell on him.

Authorities also received:

423 complaints of tree or branch falls

29 complaints of wall or house collapses

Several injuries due to falling trees in Jogeshwari and Worli

Train and road services affected

Transport services continue to be impacted in several parts of Maharashtra.

According to the Chief Minister, Central Railway services between Karjat and Khopoli remain suspended, while Western Railway services between Vasai and Virar are also affected.

He added that Palghar and Vasai-Virar remain among the worst-hit regions, while heavy rainfall is expected to continue across Raigad, Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar and the coastal belt.

The Mumbai-Pune Highway is partially operational, although traffic movement remains slow.

Authorities urge people to stay indoors

The BMC has appealed to residents to remain indoors unless travel is absolutely necessary, particularly during periods of high tide. People have also been advised to avoid waterlogged roads, unstable buildings and landslide-prone areas as heavy rain is expected to continue.