IMD issues Orange Alert for Thane and Konkan region after heavy rains disrupt traffic

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for Thane and the wider Konkan region, warning of moderate to intense rain spells after heavy downpours over the 24-hour period from Tuesday 10:00 AM to Wednesday 10:00 AM caused waterlogging and disrupted traffic. Nearby LBS Mulund Check Naka recorded 175 mm of rainfall during this period, leaving commuters stranded as road and railway services slowed down.

The weather department's Orange Alert, issued at 10:15 AM on Wednesday, predicts moderate to intense rain spells at isolated locations over the next few hours. This alert covers the Konkan region, which includes Thane, Mumbai, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts. The IMD had previously sounded a four-day Orange Alert on Tuesday for heavy to very heavy rainfall across the region.

According to data from the disaster management cell, several areas received more than 175 mm of rainfall. Top recordings in the region included Shahaji Nagar in Trombay at 191 mm, Maharashtra Nagar in Mankhurd at 185 mm, and LBS Mulund Check Naka at 175 mm. Other nearby areas like Tagore Nagar in Vikhroli and Collector Colony in Chembur recorded 145 mm and 163 mm respectively.

The heavy downpours, which continued through Tuesday night, resulted in typical monsoon waterlogging in low-lying areas. This severely impacted daily commutes, slowing down both road and railway traffic and leaving many residents stranded.

In a relief to the region's water situation, Powai Lake began overflowing at around 5:30 AM on Wednesday. The artificial lake has a water holding capacity of 545 crore litres, though its water is used only for industrial purposes. As of Tuesday, only 6.93 per cent of usable water remained in the seven lakes supplying the metropolis.

The weather department has warned citizens in Thane and nearby districts to remain cautious, as heavy rain spells are projected to continue over the next four days.