Synopsis: Rainfall continues to batter Mumbai, Karnataka, and Maharashtra with red alerts issued, Almatti dam outflow increased, and Yamuna river in Delhi expected to cross danger level.
Qalam Times News Network | New Delhi | August 18, 2025
Rainfall Brings Mumbai to a Standstill
Heavy rainfall lashed Mumbai on Monday, August 18, flooding major roads and forcing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to issue a red alert for the city and suburbs for the next two days. Waterlogging led to widespread disruption as officials advised residents to “avoid unnecessary travel.”
Neighbouring districts — Palghar, Sindhudurg, Aurangabad, Hingoli, Jalgaon, Jalna, Nanded, and Parbhani — were placed under an orange alert, while the remaining parts of Maharashtra were put on yellow alert.
Rising Rivers and Dam Outflows
The intensity of rainfall in Maharashtra and Karnataka has sharply raised water levels in the Krishna river and its tributaries. Authorities in Karnataka warned farmers and fishermen living near riverbanks to stay away as outflow from Almatti dam was increased from 1,00,000 to 1,25,000 cusecs.
In Mandya district, the discharge from KRS reservoir near Mysuru rose to 80,000 cusecs, prompting officials to prohibit residents from visiting bridges, swimming in rivers, or taking selfies near overflowing streams.
Impact in Karnataka
The Malnad region of Karnataka witnessed house collapses in Sakleshpur, leaving one resident injured. A historic portion of the Bidanur fort in Shivamogga district also caved in due to continuous downpour. Local administrations ordered school closures in affected districts.
Yamuna Crosses Warning Level in Delhi
Meanwhile, the Central Water Commission warned that the Yamuna river in Delhi, already above the warning level at 204.60 metres, is likely to touch 206 metres by August 19 — breaching the danger mark of 205.33 metres. Authorities have begun preparations for possible evacuation measures.
Cloudbursts in Jammu and Kashmir
In Jammu and Kashmir, extreme weather compounded the crisis. The government shut schools in the Jammu region after three devastating cloudbursts in Kishtwar and Kathua districts left 68 people dead and more than 120 injured over the past four days.
Emergency Response in Mumbai
Maharashtra’s Guardian Minister for Mumbai Suburban District, Ashish Shelar, visited the BMC’s Emergency Control Room to review the situation. Senior municipal officials, including Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and additional commissioners, briefed him on ongoing measures to tackle the flooding.
With the monsoon showing no signs of easing, India’s financial capital and its neighbouring states brace for more days of relentless rainfall and heightened flood risks.
