Rains cause landslides and leave six dead in Mumbai

At least six people died after a group of houses collapsed in the eastern suburbs of Mumbai, India, on Sunday (5).

Heavy rains lashing Mumbai caused multi-storey buildings to collapse in a slum in the Mankhurd region, killing five young children and a woman, according to municipal authorities.

The storm also caused landslides on the expressway connecting Mumbai and Pune, forcing the road to close and interrupting traffic between the two cities. Television footage showed large blocks of concrete and rubble scattered across the track, while rainwater ran from the roof of a tunnel.

In addition to the road disruptions, flights were affected and long-distance train services, including lines between Mumbai and Pune, were cancelled.

The local press also showed residents walking through flooded streets, while schools and universities remained closed this Monday (6).

The rains also caused trees to fall on the streets of Mumbai, causing the death of at least three people since the end of last month, according to local media. India's financial capital recorded more than 100 millimeters of rain, with some regions accumulating up to 161 millimeters.

The Indian Meteorological Service predicts light to moderate rain throughout Monday in several areas of the National Capital Region.

The heavy rains occur despite India having recorded the fifth driest June since the historical series began in 1901, the country's meteorological service reported on Tuesday (30). The scenario increases concerns about agricultural production and economic growth.

Monsoons are responsible for around 70% of the country's annual rainfall and are essential for replenishing the water reservoirs of the nearly US$4 trillion Indian economy. Almost half of India's agricultural areas do not have irrigation, and about half of the population depends on agriculture to survive.

According to the director general of IMD (India Meteorological Department), Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the forecast is that monsoon rains in July will be below 94% of the long-term historical average.

Source: CNN