The Times of India

Mumbai has lost 826 trees in the monsoon's first fortnight, highlighting a growing danger. This year's tree falls exceed previous years, causing three fatalities already. Infrastructure work and unscientific pruning weaken tree roots, making them vulnerable. Strong winds and heavy rains exacerbate the risk of tree collapses. Experts suggest scientific management and consultation for urban planning.

Mumbai has already surpassed its average July rainfall in the first six days. The city experienced its wettest July day in five decades between July 4-5. An orange alert warns of heavy to very heavy rain and strong winds for Mumbai. Red alerts remain for Raigad and Palghar, indicating extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places. Active monsoon conditions are sustained by several favorable weather systems along the west coast.

Heavy rains triggered a landslide near Tunnel 2 on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link. This incident forced a complete shutdown of the stretch, disrupting traffic for over twelve hours. Authorities diverted vehicles, causing significant delays and raising safety concerns about the new infrastructure. Opposition leaders criticized the project's preparedness, calling it a failure during its first monsoon. The Mumbai-bound carriageway later reopened after safety checks and debris clearance.

Congress leader demands inquiry into rain-related disasters

In a troubling incident in Vile Parle, a local resident was swindled out of thirteen thousand rupees by a cunning conman masquerading as a police officer. The fraudster threatened the victim with jail for purportedly chewing banned gutka in Maharashtra and insisted on a hefty fine. The victim, fearing legal consequences, withdrew cash from an ATM to appease the fake officer.

Maharashtra is currently facing catastrophic floods and landslides following relentless rainfall, leading to the tragic loss of at least seven lives in Mumbai. A 'Red Warning' has been issued for critical areas including Mumbai, Thane, and Pune, with forecasts of intense rain and strong winds. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has emphasized the need for caution, particularly during peak high tide, which could lead to severe waterlogging.

Maharashtra's IT Minister Ashish Shelar has received urgent calls from leading drone manufacturers to update the Unmanned Systems Policy-2026. These manufacturers express concerns over the lack of industry transparency and insufficient input, suggesting that the current policy overlooks vital recommendations and fails to provide competitive benefits. The risks, they emphasize, may lead Maharashtra to forfeit a lucrative billion-dollar opportunity in both domestic and international drone markets.

Bombay High Court has ordered Meta Platforms to preserve content on eight suspended Instagram handles belonging to Delta Corp, a gaming and hospitality firm. Delta Corp challenged the arbitrary suspension, claiming Meta violated its own enforcement policies. The court restrained Meta from deleting the content pending further hearings, highlighting concerns over digital intermediaries' accountability and transparency in enforcement actions against businesses.

Three Dubai-owned vessels, previously implicated in a fuel theft and smuggling racket, are in distress off Mumbai's coast. MT Al Jafzia ran aground near Manori Island due to a snapped anchor chain in rough seas, while MT Asphalt Star and MT Stellar Ruby drifted closer to shore. The Indian Coast Guard is monitoring the situation, with local fishermen advised against approaching the vessels.

Mumbai faces relentless downpour with a 'red' alert issued for heavy rains and strong winds until July 10. All Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation schools are closed until Tuesday, with potential extensions. Private firms are urged to permit work-from-home. Citizens are advised to stay indoors as the administration operates on a war footing. The city recorded significant rainfall in the past 24 hours, with high tides expected.

Mumbai faces severe disruption as heavy rains and strong winds prompt authorities to advise private offices to enable work-from-home. Non-essential government and semi-government employees are granted a half-day. With an IMD 'red' alert forecasting extremely heavy downpours and gusts up to 90 kmph, citizens are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors. Officials warn of significant threats to life and property, emphasizing cooperation with restrictions.

Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad are under a red alert for heavy rainfall and strong winds, with authorities urging people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Flooding, landslides, and structural damage are significant risks. Dabbawalas have suspended services, and train routes, particularly the Mumbai-Pune line, are disrupted due to landslides and waterlogging. Emergency response teams are on standby.

Maharashtra's Raigad district experienced severe waterlogging on the Mumbai-Goa highway due to heavy rainfall, causing traffic to halt for hours and stranding thousands. Floodwaters reached nearly three feet at Sukeli Ghat, leading to extensive queues. While traffic resumed slowly on Monday, the India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for the district, anticipating continued downpours. Diversions were put in place for Pune-bound vehicles.

Heavy rainfall has caused significant disruptions on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway and the old highway, leading to traffic suspension. Flooding and landslides, including a collapsed concrete pillar and a landslide trapping a family, have prompted authorities to advise against travel between the two cities. Diversions are in place, but commuters face severe delays and waterlogging, with schools in Pune district declared closed.

Mumbai experienced a devastating deluge, with record-breaking rainfall causing a building collapse in Mankhurd that claimed six lives, including five children. Unusually strong winds uprooted trees, leading to further fatalities. Flight operations were disrupted as the city recorded its wettest July day in over 50 years, with more heavy rain anticipated and a holiday declared for educational institutions.

Tragedy struck Mankhurd's Janta Nagar as a four-storey slum tenement collapsed, claiming the lives of five children and a woman amid heavy rains. The unauthorized structure fell onto an adjoining shanty, injuring a passerby. Despite prior warnings and evacuations, residents returned, leading to the devastating collapse. Rescue efforts were ongoing as authorities highlighted the persistent issue of illegal constructions.

Heavy rains have caused a significant landslide in the Karjat-Lonavala ghat section, severely disrupting Mumbai-Pune rail traffic. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is overseeing restoration efforts, with both Western and Central Railways working as a unified team. Several express and intercity trains have been cancelled, and nine long-distance services diverted. Passengers are urged to verify train status due to ongoing work.