Rains in Mumbai likely to be lesser today: State Disaster Management Authority

Mumbai: The State Disaster Management Authority has said rains in the megapolis, which came to a standstill following incessant downpour, are likely to be lesser today.

"The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall for today. However, it is likely to be lesser compared to yesterday," a senior SDMA official said.

Torrential rains pounded the metropolis throughout the day yesterday. The city gauged a whopping 298 mm of rainfall, the highest in a day in August since 1997.

"Also, there is much lesser congestion expected as the government has already announced that schools and offices will remain shut today," he added.

The official also said teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are on alert and the Navy too has kept divers and choppers on standby to evacuate people if needed.

Schools and colleges have been asked to remain shut by authorities amid indications of a fresh spell of heavy showers in the megapolis.

The city and its suburbs virtually have a public holiday today with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis advising people to stay back home unless there is an emergency.