![Mumbai Rains 2024: Echoes of July 26, 2005 Deluge? Remembering the Past, Facing the Present | PHOTOS – News18 Mumbai Rains 2024: Echoes of July 26, 2005 Deluge? Remembering the Past, Facing the Present | PHOTOS – News18](https://i3.wp.com/images.news18.com/ibnlive/uploads/2024/07/on-this-day-2005-mumbai-rains-1-2024-07-cbc71602549faedcf209a4bb8c61d871-16x9.jpg?impolicy=website&width=1200&height=675&w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1)
Mumbai Now and Then. Nothing has changed. (Images: PTI/AFP/Reuters)The floods that swept across Mumbai on July 26, 2005, killed over 1,000 people and left several homeless. In a matter of hours, the Financial Capital of India received around 900mm of rainfall.ON THIS DAY IN 2005: The people of Mumbai remember the year 2005 for what was a devastating monsoon season. Nineteen years later, the 2005 Mumbai floods remain a record for metropolitan rainfall in India. On July 26, 2005, Mumbai experienced approximately 900mm of rainfall in a few hours. According to reports, Mumbai receives roughly 2000mm of rain every year, which helps to put the scale of the situation into perspective.However, in only a few hours that day, the city received roughly 45 per cent of its annual precipitation. Residents of Mumbai consider this dreadful day one of the darkest in the city’s history.WATCH: When Rain Brought Mumbai To A StandstillMeanwhile on July 25, 2024, India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Mumbai, Pune and Raigad district where heavy to very heavy rainfall has been predicted in the coming 24 hours. Flights and local trains have been delayed due to the torrential weather.26/7 Mumbai Floods In 2005: All That Happened In One Night Commuters walk through floodwaters past stranded motor vehicles after heavy torrential rains paralysed the city of Mumbai, July 27, 2005. (AFP File Photo)The city, known for its fast-paced life, came to a complete halt as a result of flooded streets and roadways.As the clock struck midnight, rain began as usual, then intensified into a relentless deluge. Around 2 pm, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region was hit by a violent storm and accompanying rainfall. Commuters walk through the waterlogged Mahim Station after torrential rains paralysed Mumbai, July 27, 2005. (AFP Photo)According to reports, Mumbai saw a record 37 inches of rain in just 24 hours, with 26 inches falling in four hours. This thunderstorm exceeded the yearly rainfall in several areas across the country, including the famous Cherapunji, known for having the world’s highest rainfall. Commuters walk through floodwaters after heavy torrential rains paralysed the city of Mumbai, July 27, 2005. (AFP Photo)The city was submerged and the rain continued intermittently into the following day, resulting in the eighth-heaviest 24-hour rainfall ever recorded, 944 mm (37.17 inches). Due to this the city’s water supply was contaminated by the mixing of sewage and rainwater. To guarantee safe drinking water, the government consequently mandated that housing societies add chlorine to their water tanks. A fireman cuts branches of a fallen tree over a car in Mumbai on July 27, 2005, following continuous heavy rains. (Photo: Reuters)The incident exposed the city’s severe disaster management and readiness flaws. Because of the city’s greatest flood in history, a detailed report was created in 2006, which served as the municipal corporation’s handbook for the next several years. A man removes water from his house in Mumbai on July 27, 2005. (AFP Photo)Furthermore, the failures of the 2005 floods were important in shaping the national standards for urban flood development in 2009.26/7 Mumbai Floods In 2005: Key NumbersTransport DisruptionThe transport system, said to be Mumbai’s lifeline, was badly damaged. According to reports, the floodwaters destroyed 4,000 cabs, 900 BEST buses, and 37,000 auto rickshaws while forcing 10,000 trucks and tempos off the road. Because of the flooded lines, local trains, which make up the majority of the city’s daily commute, were also suspended. Traffic is brought to a standstill at Dharavi junction, where the road leading to Mumbai’s airport starts after torrential rains paralysed India’s financial capital, July 27, 2005. (AFP Photo)Total number of deathsThe city’s infrastructure couldn’t withstand the heavy rains. Rising floodwaters inundated low-lying highways and residences. The city was paralysed after over 1000 people were tragically killed and countless homes were devastated. Thousands were trapped far from their homes in the commotion, desperately looking for a way to go around. The amount of animal corpses floating in floodwaters has surged, increasing concerns about a pandemic. Commuters wade through a waterlogged street after a torrential downpour, in Mumbai July 31, 2005. (AFP Photo)Financial LossesFloods caused significant damage to property, infrastructure, and businesses. The calamity was expected to result in billions of dollars in economic damage.Mumbai’s Current Rain Situation A bus moves on a waterlogged road during monsoon rain, at Parel in Mumbai on July 21. (PTI photo)Heavy monsoon rains are causing disruption across Mumbai, Pune, and Raigad districts.Red Alert IssuedAuthorities have issued a red alert for these areas, indicating a high chance of extremely heavy rainfall (over 20 cm) in the next 24 hours.Travel DisruptionsFlights to and from Mumbai are experiencing delays due to the weather conditions. Local train services are also running slower than usual due to reduced visibility caused by heavy rain and strong winds.School ClosuresTo prioritise student safety, schools and colleges in Raigad and Thane districts have been ordered closed. Similar closures have been announced for Wada and Vikramgad talukas in Palghar district.Why Mumbai is Still Witness Flooding Flood water enters a shop after heavy rainfall outside the Kurla station, in Mumbai, on July 21. (PTI photo)According to experts, Mumbai’s outdated drainage system, destruction of natural climate barriers, and unsustainable urbanisation are major contributors to the city’s floods during severe monsoons.Mumbai’s location also plays a role in waterlogging. Reportedly, much of the city was built on reclaimed land, but inadequate filling has resulted in certain low-lying, saucer-shaped areas.Nibandh VinodNibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with expertise in covering events, festivals and driving SEO content for News18.com. A tech-savvy person, Niban…Read More