Southwest monsoon reaches Mumbai ahead of expected date

On a day when heavy rain lashed Mumbai on Saturday, creating waterlogging problems in the city, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the Southwest monsoon reached has reached one day ahead of the anticipated date of June 10.

The heavy downpour has resulted in waterlogging in various parts of the Maharashtra capital, leaving residents in distress.

Holding Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation responsible for the problem, locals blamed the body for the poor maintenance of city's drains.

"Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) should have cleaned the drains earlier. They had not done anything for the public. Even after paying taxes we are suffering. This happens every year," locals from Hindmata area told ANI.

While others blamed the government and said, "This has become a routine now".

Fearing situation to worsen due to heavy rainfall, the BMC has cancelled the weekly Saturday and Sunday offs for its officers.

Meanwhile, Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer said they would continue to maintain services even if overall rainfall for the day reaches 200mm by tonight.

The downpour, however, had a limited impact on flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.

"There are no flight diversions or cancellations yet. The flights have delayed by 15-20 minutes," Mumbai International Airport Pvt Ltd (MIAL) said.

Monsoon has already hit Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and North-East, and will move up north from Maharashtra.