Unexpected rain brings expected problems

A sudden burst of heavy rain in the evening caught city residents unawares and impacted rush hour traffic on Wednesday.

A sudden burst of heavy rain in the evening caught city residents unawares and impacted rush hour traffic on Wednesday.

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Around 5.30pm, the sky became overcast as it started to pour at great intensity. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), south Mumbai recorded 30.7mm rain between 5.30pm to 8.30pm, while it was 57mm in the suburbs. The withdrawal of monsoon season is expected to get delayed.

A family of four in Bhandup was rushed to the hospital after they were struck by lighting. Rajesh Gupta, wife Manisha and their two children were discharged after being administered first aid.

The evening downpour also led to waterlogging, traffic snarls and flight diversions.

Khar resident Surindra Khubchandani had to walk through knee-deep water to get home. “The area was flooded in no time,” he said. Several busy areas such as Dadar, Lalbaug, Parel, Hindmata Junction, Bandra (W), Khar (W) and Juhu Galli were also affected.

Traffic snarls were witnessed on Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road starting from Lalbaug up to Sion.

Rain also hampered flight movement as the runway visibility fell up to 350m.

A Mumbai International Airport Limited spokesperson said the air traffic control officials were forced to divert 11 domestic flights — 8 to Ahmedabad and 3 to Hyderabad — due to low visibility.

Although railway authorities claim that train services were unaffected, commuters said indicators at stations went blank.