Mumbai schools, colleges to remain shut Monday amid heavy rain alert

Mumbai's civic administration has declared a holiday for all government, private, and civic-run schools and colleges on Monday, July 8, in response to an 'orange alert' issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The alert forecasts heavy rainfall and gusty winds across the metropolis.

The decision, announced Sunday evening by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), prioritizes the safety of students. Mumbai and its surrounding areas have experienced intense rainfall over the past few days, leading to waterlogged streets and several incidents of treefall. Tragically, these events have claimed three lives since June 30, including a schoolboy.

While educational institutions will remain closed, the BMC clarified that government and private offices will function as usual. Citizens are strongly urged to exercise caution and limit outdoor activities to essential travel only.

Recent heavy rains have caused significant disruption, including the cancellation and diversion of flights at Mumbai airport. In Thane and Palghar districts, heavy downpours have triggered structural collapses and further tree-fall incidents. A 17-year-old boy drowned in the swollen Kamvari River in Bhiwandi, and two individuals were injured when a balcony collapsed in Navi Mumbai's Vashi area. Emergency services also rescued five people trapped in a Thane building after a staircase slab collapsed.