Bombay: écoles et collèges fermés lundi, vols suspendus, routes inondées

A partial collapse of a multi-storey chawl in Mumbai’s Mankhurd area on Sunday night raised fears that four to five individuals might have been trapped inside the structure, according to local civic authorities. The incident occurred during a period of heavy rainfall that had already caused significant disruptions across the city. The chawl, which consisted of a ground floor and three upper floors, reportedly gave way under the pressure of the downpours, leaving rescue teams scrambling to assess the damage and locate any survivors. While no official confirmation of casualties has yet emerged, the potential entrapment of residents has heightened concerns about the structural integrity of older buildings in densely populated areas of the city.

The heavy rains that triggered the chawl collapse were part of a broader pattern of severe weather affecting Mumbai throughout Sunday. At least eight fatalities were linked to rain-related incidents across the city, according to reports. One of these deaths occurred in Kurla when a 63-year-old man named Yunus Kundawala was killed after a tree fell onto a shop near the Hindi BMC School in Kamani, Kurla West. The incident took place around midday, and Kundawala was pronounced dead upon arrival at Fauzia Hospital. This tragic event underscored the dangers posed by unsecured vegetation and inadequate drainage systems during periods of extreme rainfall.

In addition to the human toll, the storm disrupted daily life in Mumbai. Flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were significantly impacted, with runway suspensions lasting for about an hour. Strong gusts of wind, reaching up to 42 knots, combined with poor visibility due to heavy rain, led to the temporary halting of all landing and takeoff activities. During this time, four IndiGo flights were canceled, and 13 incoming flights were diverted to other airports. However, once conditions stabilized, all diverted flights successfully returned to Mumbai without incident. The airport authority emphasized that the decision to halt operations was made to prioritize the safety of passengers, crew members, and ground staff.

The impact of the weather extended beyond aviation. Roads became impassable due to flooding, and schools and colleges remained closed on Monday as a precautionary measure. Public transport faced similar challenges, with many routes either suspended or experiencing substantial delays. The India Meteorological Department maintained a red alert, indicating the likelihood of further intense rainfall, which kept citizens on high alert and prompted emergency services to remain vigilant.

Amidst the chaos, political tensions flared as leaders from different parties pointed fingers at each other regarding the state of Mumbai’s infrastructure. Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad criticized the ruling BJP for neglecting the city’s civic needs, accusing them of mismanagement and financial exploitation. She highlighted the inadequacy of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s efforts in maintaining drainage systems and preparing for monsoons, despite claims of being fully equipped for such scenarios. Her allegations focused particularly on the long-standing governance of the BMC by the BJP in coalition with the Shiv Sena, suggesting that the current crisis reflected systemic failures rather than isolated incidents.

As the situation continues to unfold, authorities are working diligently to address immediate concerns related to the chawl collapse and the broader effects of the heavy rainfall. Emergency response teams are assessing the stability of damaged structures and ensuring that affected residents receive appropriate assistance. Meanwhile, discussions surrounding the need for improved urban planning and infrastructure maintenance are likely to intensify, especially as the monsoon season progresses. With the possibility of more severe weather ahead, the focus will remain on mitigating risks and safeguarding vulnerable communities against future threats.