India: 26 killed in rain-related incidents

By Shuriah Niazi

New Delhi (AA) - At least 27 people have been killed in India’s financial capital Mumbai on Tuesday in rain-related incidents, according to media reports.

At least 18 people were killed after a compound wall collapsed in the city on Tuesday, said officials of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to New Delhi Television (NDTV). A portion of a compound wall collapsed on shanties adjacent to it due to heavy rainfall at night. Two persons died of electrocution in separate incidents in different parts of the city due to incessant rains, officials told local media.

Authorities declared holiday on Tuesday in wake of deteriorating situation because of incessant rains.

Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an "Air Safety Circular" for airlines in wake of the monsoon season. 54 flights were diverted and 52 cancelled at Mumbai Airport due to inclement weather, said an official statement released by the DGCA.

The statement further said, “The main runway of the Mumbai Airport is likely to remain closed for flight operations till Thursday.”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took stock of the situation in the city. He also reviewed railway traffic, road traffic movement, and areas where more focus and assistance is required, said an official statement of Maharashtra government.

Under fire for waterlogging in Mumbai following a heavy downpour, Fadnavis said he would ask the civic body to frame a "time-bound" policy for cleaning of drains, according to Press Trust of India (PTI).

“I have instructed all the departments to remain on alert for the next few days,” he said.

Waterlogging was reported from many parts of the city. Local train service, which is the lifeline of the city, was badly affected as low lying areas were submerged.

Mumbai is witnessing one of its most intense monsoon spells this year as the city has received the highest rainfall in a decade over a two-day period. Private weather agency Skymet said Mumbai is at "serious risk of flooding" between July 3 and 5.