School holiday in Thane today amid Mumbai rain red alert; helplines activated

All schools and colleges across Thane district, including those within the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) limits, will remain closed on Saturday, July 4, after authorities declared a holiday in view of an IMD red alert forecasting extremely heavy rainfall across parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane and Palghar for July 4 and 5, warning of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are also likely during the period, raising concerns over waterlogging, traffic disruptions and interruptions to transport services.

The closure was ordered following directions from the district administration as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students, teachers and non-teaching staff. Officials said persistent rainfall and the possibility of intense downpours could make travel conditions difficult in several parts of the district.

Authorities have warned that low-lying areas could witness water accumulation, while commuters may face delays due to flooding and reduced visibility. The decision to suspend classes is aimed at minimising travel-related risks as adverse weather conditions are expected to continue through the weekend.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urged residents to remain alert as heavy rainfall is forecast across Mumbai city and the districts of Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg between July 4 and 6. In a message shared on X, the chief minister said moderate to heavy rainfall was also expected in the ghat regions of Pune, Nashik and Satara districts during the same period.

He cautioned that disruptions to local travel and some structural damage could not be ruled out due to the weather conditions and advised citizens to exercise extra caution, particularly in low-lying areas and on ghat roads. The state disaster management department has also appealed to residents to stay vigilant and seek assistance through emergency services if required.

Emergency helplines issued

The Maharashtra government has circulated emergency contact numbers for residents in affected areas. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's helpline can be reached at 1916.

For Palghar district, residents can contact 02525 297474 and +91 82379 78873. The Thane Municipal Corporation has issued helpline numbers 022-25364779, 022-25301740 and +91 93723 38827, while the Thane Disaster Management Cell can be reached at 1800-222-108 and 8657887101.

The Panvel Municipal Corporation has also activated emergency helplines at 022-27458040, 022-27458041 and 022-27458042.

Civic agencies across the Mumbai region remain on alert as forecasts indicate that heavy rainfall could continue through the weekend. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from weak structures, trees and electric poles during periods of strong winds, and follow official weather updates and local administration advisories.