Mumbai, August 19, 2025 – The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a holiday for all government and semi-government offices across Mumbai today after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a Red Alert warning of extremely heavy rainfall. Essential and emergency services, however, will continue to function without interruption.
Alongside this directive, the BMC has urged private offices and establishments to allow employees to work from home depending on the nature of their operations. The civic body has also appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary travel as heavy downpours are expected to cause waterlogging and traffic congestion across the city.
Key Takeaways
- Holiday declared for government & semi-government offices under BMC jurisdiction (except essential services).
- Private offices advised to implement work from home for employees.
- IMD issues Red Alert: “Extremely heavy rainfall” predicted in Mumbai and suburbs.
- Waterlogging reported in several low-lying areas including Dadar, Parel, Matunga, and Sion.
- High tide warnings could worsen flooding and traffic disruptions.
IMD Red Alert: Extremely Heavy Rainfall Predicted
According to the IMD, Mumbai and its suburbs are likely to witness “very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall” throughout the day, accompanied by gusty winds reaching 45-55 kmph. The warning has prompted authorities to enforce strict precautionary measures to minimize disruption and ensure public safety.
In the 24-hour period ending at 8 am on Tuesday, the city recorded significant rainfall:
- Island city – 186.43 mm
- Eastern suburbs – 208.78 mm
- Western suburbs – 238.19 mm
These figures highlight the severity of the monsoon spell that continues to impact Mumbai and its adjoining regions.
High Tide and Flood Concerns
The IMD has further cautioned that high tide levels of 3.75 metres at 9.16 am and 3.14 metres at 8.53 pm could worsen waterlogging issues, especially in low-lying areas. The combination of heavy rainfall and tidal activity is expected to create traffic snarls and delays across road and rail networks.
Already, reports of waterlogging at Dadar, Matunga, Parel, and Sion have surfaced, with commuters facing difficulties on railway tracks and main roads. Authorities have deployed disaster management teams to monitor vulnerable zones and provide assistance wherever needed.
BMC’s Appeal to Citizens
📢All Government and Semi-Government Offices in Mumbai will remain closed today, 19th August 2025
— माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) August 19, 2025
🔹Private offices / institutions / establishments are advised to instruct their employees to work from home
🌧️The India Meteorological Department has issued a Red Alert today, i.e.…
In its official statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the BMC said:
“Except for essential services, all government, semi-government offices, and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation offices in the BMC jurisdiction have been declared closed today in view of the IMD’s Red Alert. All private offices are requested to allow employees to work from home.”
The civic body has also urged residents to stay indoors, avoid venturing into flooded areas, and follow safety instructions issued by the disaster management authority.
Life Disrupted in the Maximum City
As rains continued to lash the city, normal life has been thrown off balance. Commuters reported long delays, flooded streets, and overcrowding at railway stations. With the holiday declared for offices, officials hope that reduced movement will help ease congestion and lower risks during extreme weather conditions.
Final Note
Mumbai is once again battling the fury of the monsoon, with authorities stepping in to ensure public safety. As the rain alert continues, residents are advised to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and cooperate with civic authorities. The coming 24 hours will be crucial in determining how the city weathers this latest spell of extreme rainfall.