Mumbai: People's troubles increased due to the sudden heavy rains that started in Mumbai on Wednesday evening. Due to this, there was waterlogging and traffic jam at many places. People returning home from their offices faced problems due to the rain that started in the evening. The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Ratnagiri districts.

All schools and colleges in Mumbai will remain closed on Thursday. At least 14 flights coming to Mumbai had to be diverted. Road traffic along with local train services of Central Railway and Western Railway were also affected due to the rain.

Condition worsened due to rain

According to the BMC, Mumbai, eastern suburbs and western suburbs received 87.79 mm, 167.48 mm and 95.57 mm rainfall respectively between 5 pm and 10 pm. Bhandup received 275 mm and Powai area 274 mm of rainfall. Sewri Koliwada and Wadala area received over 145 mm of rainfall.

The weather was clear and sunny till Wednesday afternoon. But, just before sunset, around 5 pm, the entire Mumbai suddenly became dark due to dense clouds and from 6 pm, heavy rain started, which continued till night. Fishermen in hilly areas, especially Ratnagiri and Raigad, have been advised to stay away from the sea.

Central Railway's local train services have come to a halt due to waterlogging on the tracks at Ghatkopar, Sion, Mulund etc. stations. The crowd of passengers is increasing at the station. During the rain, two persons died due to lightning in Kamba village of Dombivali.

Heavy rain in Uttarakhand and Himachal

Many parts of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh received heavy rainfall on Wednesday after many days. In Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, 50-60 meters of the Thal-Satshilling highway got submerged in the Ramganga river near the Nagimal temple. Traffic on this route has come to a complete halt.

According to the Meteorological Centre, most areas including Dehradun may remain partly cloudy on Thursday and there are chances of thundershowers.

Rain alert issued at many places in Himachal

Meanwhile, according to Dharamshala correspondent, Himachal Pradesh has also witnessed heavy rainfall. Due to the re-activation of monsoon, the temperature has dropped by four degrees Celsius. The temperature of Shimla had reached 28 degrees Celsius after 30 years, which came down to 24.2 degrees Celsius on Wednesday due to change in weather. A yellow alert for rain has been issued at many places in Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Kullu, Mandi and Kangra for Thursday.