Mumbai, July 4 (IANS) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday issued a critical red alert for Mumbai, Thane, and several neighbouring districts as relentless monsoon downpours lashed the region for a fourth consecutive day, officials said.

With more than 100 mm of rain recorded across multiple areas in just 24 hours, weather officials warned that the intensity will spike significantly.

Authorities have strongly advised citizens to remain indoors and venture out only for absolute essentials.

Heavy rain since Saturday morning has caused immediate waterlogging in vulnerable pockets.

Data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) rain-gauge stations highlights that suburban areas are bearing the brunt of the storm, with parts of Bandra and Chembur recording the highest precipitation.

Areas with highest rainfall recorded (in past 24 hours) include H-West Ward Office: 146.4 mm, Bandra (Supari Tank Municipal School): 143.4 mm, Bandra (Pali Mumbai Municipal School): 140.6 mm, G-South Ward Office: 140.2 mm, F-North Ward Office: 132 mm, Mankhurd Fire Station: 126.8 mm and Chembur (Collector Colony): 124.2 mm.

The neighboring Thane city registered 58 mm of rainfall between Friday morning and early Saturday dawn, with intermittent heavy spells continuing to pound the district.

Forecasters warn that intense, severe monsoon activity will grip Maharashtra over the weekend and persist until July 7.

The IMD estimates that high-risk regions could receive between 200 mm to 250 mm of torrential rain over the weekend.

The red alert spans across Mumbai and Thane (active for both Saturday and Sunday), Palghar and Raigad, and Satara and Pune (specifically targeting the vulnerable Ghat/mountain regions).

The local civic administration, Fire Brigade, and the Disaster Management Department have been placed on high alert.

To prevent mishaps amid rising water levels and rough seas, the BMC has declared all beaches and coastal areas strictly off-limits.

Public appeals have been broadcast across the metropolitan region urging people to avoid low-lying locations entirely.

The state administration has urged citizens to remain vigilant, avoid visiting waterlogged or ghat areas unnecessarily, and contact the following helplines in case of emergencies, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) 1916, Palghar District Helpline 02525 297474/+91 82379 78873, Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC): 022-25364779/022-25301740/+91 93723 38827, Thane Disaster Management Cell: 1800-222-108/8657887101 and Panvel Municipal Corporation: 022-27458040/41/42.

The civic administration in a safety advisory has urged the citizens not to astute to drive or wade through flooded streets and secure loose objects outside their homes.

–IANS

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