Navi Mumbai: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has issued an alert and urged residents to remain vigilant following an Orange Alert from the Regional Meteorological Department, Mumbai. The warning is in effect from May 22 to May 24, predicting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds with speeds ranging from 50 to 60 km/h across Thane district, which includes Navi Mumbai.
According to the forecast, on May 22, parts of the district are likely to experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, strong winds, and heavy to very heavy rainfall. On May 23 and 24, isolated regions are expected to receive heavy rainfall.
In response to the alert, NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde held an emergency meeting with department heads and directed all civic and disaster response teams to remain fully alert. He instructed officials to thoroughly inspect the availability and functionality of rescue equipment and ensure readiness for any emergencies. Additionally, he emphasized maintaining constant communication with the public to provide timely assistance and guidance.
The civic body has issued safety instructions for the public during lightning activity. "Citizens are advised to turn off and unplug electrical appliances such as televisions and computers during lightning. The use of landline phones and mobile phones should be avoided during such times. Residents are urged to stay indoors, and if already outside, they should seek shelter in a safe place immediately," the civic body official said.
The civic body further adviced that people should maintain a safe distance from electric poles and avoid taking shelter under tall trees during lightning. "Those caught in open spaces are advised to crouch down with their heads between their knees. Metal objects should be kept away to avoid conduction. For lightning alerts, residents are encouraged to download the ‘Damini’ mobile application, which provides real-time warnings," the officer added.
Furthermore, during thunderstorms, people are advised not to take shelter under trees, avoid using mobile phones for conversations, and stay away from electrical items. The safest option in such situations is to take refuge inside solid buildings or permanent structures.
In preparation for any emergencies, the NMMC has provided a list of emergency contact numbers, including its central control room, ward offices, and fire stations across various nodes of Navi Mumbai. These include offices in Belapur, Nerul, Vashi, Turbhe, Koparkhairane, Ghansoli, Airoli, and Digha, as well as fire stations in Vashi, Belapur, Nerul, Koparkhairane, and Airoli.
Residents are advised to stay informed through official sources such as the Indian Meteorological Department’s website https://mausam.imd.gov.in or the ‘Mausam’ app. They are also requested not to trust or circulate rumors, and to verify any weather-related information with authorized sources or contact the NMMC's central control room at (022) 27567060 / 27567061.
The NMMC’s Disaster Management Department has appealed to all Navi Mumbai residents to stay alert during this period and to contact the helpline numbers in case of any difficulty or emergency.
