Goa, Aug. 20 -- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for very heavy rainfall in Mumbai and adjoining districts on Wednesday, August 20, after relentless downpours crippled the financial capital for the fifth straight day. The city recorded over 200 mm of rain in just 11 hours on Tuesday, leading to flooding, massive traffic snarls, power outages and widespread disruption of public services.

The IMD has forecast intense to very intense spells of rain with gusty winds of 40-50 kmph, reaching up to 60 kmph, across Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad and Ratnagiri districts. While Raigad remains under a red alert, Thane, Palghar and Ratnagiri have been placed under an orange alert. Officials, however, expect rainfall i...