India, July 7 -- Over five days of torrential rain have pushed the Vasai-Virar region to the brink, with thousands of residents left stranded as five feet of floodwater enters neighbourhoods, homes plunged into darkness for over 48 hours, mobile phones running out of charge and food supplies beginning to rot as road, rail and electricity networks collapsed on Monday.

With nearly 90% of Naigaon, Vasai, Nalasopara and Virar without electricity since Saturday, residents struggled to work from home, contact family members, while commuters found themselves marooned as trains remained suspended and roads disappeared under floodwaters.

The Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) appealed to residents to remain indoors and venture out on...