BMC shuts schools, colleges on August 19 as IMD issues red alert for Mumbai
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced that all schools and colleges across Mumbai and its suburbs will remain shut on Tuesday, August 19, following a red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of extremely heavy rainfall.
In an official statement shared on X, the civic body confirmed that the holiday applies to government, municipal, and private educational institutions. The order comes after days of relentless downpour that has already triggered severe waterlogging in many low-lying areas, disrupted road transport, and caused long traffic delays.
A red alert, the most severe category of weather warning, indicates the possibility of rainfall above 204.5 mm within 24 hours. Authorities have urged citizens to stay indoors, avoid non-essential travel, and remain cautious as conditions are expected to worsen.
📢 All schools and colleges in Mumbai (City and Suburbs) will remain closed tomorrow, 19th August 2025 (Tuesday).
— माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) August 18, 2025
🌧 The India Meteorological Department has issued a Red Alert warning (extremely heavy rainfall), for Mumbai City and Suburbs tomorrow i.e. Tuesday, 19th August…
CM Fadnavis reviews the situation
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that Mumbai recorded 177 mm of rainfall within just six to eight hours on Monday, and with more showers and high tides on the way, citizens should exercise extreme caution.
During a high-level review meeting held at the State Disaster Management Cell in Mantralaya, Fadnavis directed all government departments to stay on maximum alert until at least August 21. Reports presented in the meeting highlighted rising rivers in the Konkan belt, significant flooding, and damage to over 4 lakh hectares of crops.
The chief minister also confirmed that seven people lost their lives in rain-related incidents across the state in the last two days.
Advisories were issued to offices in Mumbai to allow employees to leave work by 4 pm as sea tides reaching up to 3–4 metres are expected post 6:30 pm. Fadnavis stressed that the next 10–12 hours would be critical for Mumbai and gave full authority to local bodies and district collectors to enforce precautionary measures, including declaring holidays and initiating relief operations.