Schools, colleges in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai shut on Tuesday as IMD issues orange alert after rain batters city
Schools and colleges across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai will remain closed on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, following an orange alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting extremely heavy rainfall and gusty winds. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation took this precautionary step as relentless monsoon showers continued to disrupt daily life in the region.
The IMD's warning comes after a day of intense rain on Monday that caused flooding, damaged infrastructure, and severely affected transportation services. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors unless travel is absolutely necessary, while emergency teams remain on high alert to manage the situation.
Monsoon Impact and Precautionary Measures
The heavy rains have led to widespread disruptions across Mumbai and its suburbs. On Monday, the city recorded an average rainfall of 28.2 millimeters between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., with the eastern and western suburbs receiving 61.75 mm and 65.45 mm respectively. These downpours have flooded low-lying areas, damaged hoardings, and uprooted trees, causing safety concerns.
In response, the BMC has deployed around 15,000 personnel along with other agencies to monitor and address flooding and weather-related emergencies. The civic body has also issued safety advisories for construction sites, instructing developers to secure scaffolding, cranes, and other materials to prevent accidents during the storm.
Transportation Disruptions and Infrastructure Challenges
Rail and road networks have been severely affected by the heavy rain. Train services on the Mumbai-Pune route were suspended due to multiple landslides in the Karjat-Lonavala Bhor Ghat section. Suburban trains between Karjat and Khopoli were also halted after rain washed away ballast between Lowjee and Dolavli stations. Additionally, tracks were submerged in areas such as Palghar and Virar-Vasai Road.
On the roadways, the Pune-Mumbai Expressway was closed after a concrete pillar fell onto the carriageway. The old Mumbai-Pune highway also faced closures due to waterlogging at several points. Air travel was disrupted as well, with five incoming flights to Mumbai diverted to other cities including Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Vadodara.
Government and Civic Responses to the Weather Emergency
The Maharashtra government advised private companies to allow employees to work from home where possible and declared a half-day for non-essential government and semi-government staff. Both the Maharashtra legislature and the Bombay High Court adjourned proceedings due to the weather, with the court assuring no adverse orders would be passed against lawyers unable to attend.
The BMC and Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s decision to close educational institutions aims to protect students and staff from the risks posed by the severe weather. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have urged the public to avoid hazardous areas such as waterlogged streets, beaches, and unstable structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does an orange alert from the IMD mean?
A: An orange alert indicates extremely heavy rainfall is expected, signaling a high risk of flooding and weather-related disruptions. It advises people to exercise caution and stay updated on weather developments.
Q: Why are schools and colleges closed during heavy rain?
A: Closures are precautionary to ensure the safety of students and staff, preventing travel during dangerous conditions and reducing the risk of accidents caused by flooding or infrastructure damage.
Q: How are transportation services affected by the heavy rains?
A: Train services may be suspended due to landslides or track flooding, roads can be closed because of waterlogging or structural damage, and flights may be diverted to other airports to avoid unsafe conditions.
