Mumbai on Alert as High Tide and Heavy Rains Loom

New Delhi, August 19, 2025: Mumbai monsoon in full swing, an advisory has been issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), warning of high tides coinciding with the forecast of “extremely heavy” rainfall. The city, which has already been grappling with incessant downpours and waterlogging, is being told to brace for more challenging conditions. A red alert has also been issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), signalling a heightened risk of urban flooding.

The high tide timings have been shared by the civic body, and citizens are being urged to exercise extreme caution. It has been reported that the first high tide occurred at 9:17 AM, reaching a height of 3.74 meters, with a second high tide expected later in the evening at 8:36 PM, with a height of 3.16 meters. The confluence of these high tides and the continuous heavy rainfall is known to worsen the situation in low-lying areas, where the drainage of water into the sea is impeded.

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Areas like Hindmata, King’s Circle, and Andheri Subway, which are particularly susceptible to waterlogging, have already been impacted. It is being said that despite crores having been spent on underground rainwater-holding tanks in these areas, water accumulation has been observed for several hours. This has been attributed by the BMC to the neap tide conditions, which reduce the difference between high and low tides, preventing the opening of floodgates and causing prolonged waterlogging.

The civic machinery has been deployed on the ground, with officials and staff stationed at various locations to closely monitor the situation. Pumping stations are being operated at full capacity to reduce waterlogging. Furthermore, the public is being advised to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, and to avoid venturing into waterlogged areas. Schools and colleges have been closed as a precautionary measure, and a holiday has been declared for all government and semi-government offices.

The warning of “extremely heavy” rainfall has also been accompanied by advisories from airlines, which have been urging passengers to check their flight status and allow for extra time to reach the airport, as road travel has been affected by waterlogging and traffic congestion. Trains, the lifeline of the city, have also been running with delays.

Citizens have been appealed to remain vigilant and not believe in rumors. The BMC’s main control room helpline number has also been shared, so that it can be contacted in case of any emergency. The collective efforts of the civic authorities, along with the cooperation of the public, are being relied upon to navigate the challenging conditions brought about by the intense monsoon.