Schools and colleges in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) have been instructed to remain closed on 20 September in the backdrop of heavy rains, the Maharashtra government announced on 19 September night.
“Schools are instructed to remain close tomorrow for safety due to mixed predictions; This holiday will be compensated in Diwali #MumbaiRains,” tweeted Maharashtra Education Minister Vinod Tawde.
“The precautionary holiday will be applicable for schools and colleges in Mumbai Metropolitan Region. #MumbaiRains,” Tawde said in another tweet.
Heavy rains coupled with thunder and lightning lashed the metropolis on 19 September afternoon, slowing down movement of vehicular traffic and suburban trains, and bringing back memories of torrential downpour late last month when the financial capital came to a standstill.
Heavy Rainfall Expected Over the Next 24 Hours: IMD
The India Meteorological Department on 19 September predicted heavy rainfall in the Konkan coast, including Mumbai, over the next 24 hours.
The department predicted heavy rainfall in the districts of Kolhapur, Satara and some districts of Vidarbha, apart from Mumbai.
![The city witnessed heavy rainfall on Tuesday evening, forcing the airport to shut operations.](https://images.thequint.com/thequint%2F2017-09%2Ff78d31a1-3d7f-4e91-8b56-74ff257809cd%2FIMG-20170919-WA0012.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fmt=webp&width=720)
Mumbai city witnessed heavy rainfall on 19 September, forcing the airport to be shut since evening.
The BMC has not issued any guidelines yet.
(With inputs from PTI.)
(#TalkingStalking: Have you ever been stalked? Share your experience with The Quint and inspire others to shatter the silence surrounding stalking. Send your stories to editor@thequint.com or WhatsApp @ +919999008335.)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)