Indian Monsoon Brings More Destruction by Helen McKenzie
Having been in a lull for a few weeks, the Southwest Indian Monsoon has reinvigorated. It is always a mixed blessing, with the rain a vital part of the growing season, but often resulting in loss of life across India and surrounding countries.
Mumbai, on the west coast, is the latest place to receive a deluge, with four days of heavy rain bringing as much as 359mm (14.1 inches) in just one day according to the Weather Bureau in India. The financial capital is knee-deep in water, and the airport had to be closed for 3 hours on Tuesday due to water-logging. Train services were also severely disrupted or cancelled, and many schools and colleges remain closed today. The flooding was made worse by an ancient drainage system in the city, at 150 years old it fails on a regular basis.
Seven people lost their lives in Mumbai during the most recent episode of heavy rain, bringing this year’s Monsoon death toll to over 300.
Today is the fifth consecutive day of heavy rain, and the Indian Meteorological Department has forecast another 250mm (9.8 inches) of rainfall over the coming 2 to 3 days.
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