Heavy rains bring respite to Mumbaikars

Heavy rains lashed the metropolis and the neighbouring Thane district for the second day today, bringing respite from the sweltering heat and easing concerns of water scarcity.        

In many parts of the suburbs people welcomed the rains by performing traditional 'aartis' and 'poojas' as the rains played truant over the last few weeks, as they feared of more water cuts due to delayed monsoon.        

BMC has already effected 20 per cent water cut in metropolis.        

"Water logging was reported in low-lying parts like Parel, Lalbaug, Matunga, Kurla, Ghatkopar, Milan Subway and Goregaon", a Muncipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) official said.        

Traffic movement was restricted in many parts due to water-logging. Also trains on the Central Railway's main and harbour lines were running late by over 30 minutes, an office-goer informed.        

Residents and shop-keepers from Parel in Central Mumbai complained that the ongoing construction work of bridges and Mono Rail projects also contributed to the water logging in the area.        

Met officials have said there will be heavy rain falls across the city and neighbouring districts like Thane and Raigad for next 48 hours.

From 8.30 am till 2.30 pm today, 35.8 mm rain was recorded in Colaba and 44 mm rain in Santacruz.         

Met officials have said that there will be frequent spells of rain/showers with possibility of very heavy rains in some areas of Mumbai.        

The maximum and minimum temperature will be 26 and 24 degree respectively.        

Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea as it will be rough to very rough with westerly to south westerly waves.        

Winds will be westerly to south westerly with speed of 45 to 55 kmph.