A 45-year-old woman drowned in an open drain in Andheri's MIDC area during the torrential rains that lashed Mumbai on Wednesday evening.

According to Brihanmumbai Corporation (BMC) officials, 45-year-old Vimal Gaikwad was rescued by the Mumbai Fire Service and taken to Cooper Hospital, but doctors declared her brought dead.

Due to the massive flooding and persistent rain causing problems for many people, Mumbai and its adjoining districts have been declared red alert till 8:30 am on Thursday.

At Andheri and Chunabhatti railway stations, several commuters risked their lives by walking on the tracks due to heavy flooding. A landslide also occurred on the Mumbra bypass road, leaving people stuck in traffic jams for over three hours.

Mumbai Police and BMC have issued alerts asking all citizens to stay indoors as much as possible due to the intensity of the rain.

“In view of the ongoing rain and the red alert currently prevailing in Mumbai, citizens should not step out of their homes unless absolutely necessary. Avoid going to coastal and lowland areas,” said a post on X.

Schools and colleges in Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Pune were also closed on September 26.

The IMD forecasts that rain will continue in Mumbai and its surrounding regions until September 27 before clearing up. More than 100 mm of rain was recorded in several areas between 5pm and 10pm on Wednesday.

The eastern suburbs of Mankhurd, Bhandup and Powai recorded the highest rainfall, with an average of 275 mm each, according to BMC data.

Flights and buses are facing diversions and delays, causing significant transport problems in and out of the city. As waters recede from train stations, the Central, Western and Harbour lines are operating but are still experiencing delays.