Mumbai: Mumbai was battered by an unprecedented bout of heavy rains on Monday, May 26, as the southeast monsoon made its earliest-ever arrival in the city, triggering chaos across several parts. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the city witnessed 79 rain-related incidents, including tree falls, short-circuit-induced fires and structural damage, making it one of the most disruptive starts to the monsoon season in recent memory.
45 Trees Fall, 25 Fire Cases Reported In City
The torrential downpour, which began late Sunday, not only shattered a 107-year rainfall record for the month of May but also brought the city to a near standstill. Among the incidents reported were 25 cases of fire due to short circuits and 45 instances of tree falls.
Nine locations reported structural damage, including a partial collapse of a two-storey house in Mahim West. Two residents were trapped inside but were safely rescued by emergency responders. A 24-year-old man near St. Xavier’s College sustained injuries after being struck by a falling tree and is reported to be in stable condition.
The relentless rain led to severe traffic congestion and widespread waterlogging across major roads and low-lying areas. Commuters had to wade through knee-deep water in some neighbourhoods, while several vehicles broke down mid-route, adding to the chaos.
City Gets Relief From Heavy Rains Today
However, Tuesday morning brought some relief. Mumbai woke up to a comparatively calm and pleasant atmosphere, with light showers and scattered rain replacing Monday’s downpour. The temporary respite helped ease the impact of the previous day’s flooding, and crucially, there were no major reports of waterlogging in the early hours.
Local train services, often the first to be disrupted during heavy rains, remained unaffected across the Central, Western and Harbour lines, ensuring office-goers could travel without major hindrance.
Record Early Arrival Of Monsoon For Mumbai
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that the monsoon had officially hit Mumbai on May 26, the earliest onset in over 15 years and well ahead of the usual date of June 11. Previous early monsoon arrivals were recorded on May 29 in 1956, 1962, and 1971, making this year’s early entry historically significant.
As the city braces for more showers, the civic administration has urged citizens to stay cautious. Disaster response teams remain on alert, and structural audits for old and risky buildings are likely to be expedited as the monsoon gains momentum.
