Earliest Monsoon in 75 Years Hits Mumbai Hard: 6 Dead, Widespread Flooding Across States
India witnesses the earliest monsoon in 75 years, flooding Mumbai and parts of Karnataka and Kerala. Six people lost their lives, and red alerts have been issued across multiple states. Read the full update on India’s extreme weather impact.
India’s southwest monsoon arrived dramatically in 2025, marking the earliest onset in 75 years, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD). While the rains brought temporary relief from heat, they also unleashed widespread chaos across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, and Goa. Mumbai, the financial capital, bore the brunt of the downpour, witnessing record-breaking rainfall and flash floods that disrupted life and claimed lives.
Mumbai Submerged as Monsoon Arrives Two Weeks Early
On Monday, Mumbai experienced the full force of the monsoon as it hit the city 15 days ahead of schedule. The IMD upgraded its weather alert from orange to red, warning residents of extremely heavy rainfall. Roads, railway tracks, and entire neighborhoods were inundated, throwing daily life into disarray.
Tragically, six people lost their lives in various rain-related incidents across the affected states. In Mumbai and surrounding areas like Thane, Palghar, and Konkan, hundreds of families were evacuated as floodwaters submerged homes, farmlands, and bridges. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed ten teams across vulnerable districts, while three teams remained stationed in Mumbai for quick response.
Lightning and Floods Claim Lives Across Maharashtra
Maharashtra reported multiple deaths due to lightning strikes and flooding:
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Roshan Kalekar (30) from Raigad,
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Vikram Karale (55) and Ranjanabai Samudhay (55) from Latur,
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Yash Late (16) from Kalyan.
In Ratnagiri, a man was swept away while attempting to cross a flooded bridge. Even animals were not spared—four calves died in Pune due to lightning strikes.
State authorities, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, reviewed the situation and ordered round-the-clock monitoring and emergency preparedness. Major rivers like the Ulhas and Jagbudi neared or crossed danger levels, intensifying the flood risk.
Southern States Hit Hard: Karnataka and Kerala on Red Alert
The IMD also issued red alerts for Karnataka and Kerala, which have received above-normal rainfall due to the early monsoon. Karnataka recorded 21.5 mm of rain in the past 24 hours, contributing to the monthly total of 179.5 mm so far.
In Belagavi district, a heartbreaking tragedy occurred when a three-year-old girl, Keerti, died after a rain-soaked wall of her ancestral home collapsed. Her four-year-old sister was injured and is under treatment.
Regions such as Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada faced urban flooding and landslides, with Mangaluru particularly affected due to overflowing drains and clogged roads. The heaviest rainfall was reported in Bellare (200.5 mm), Sarapady (190 mm), and Belandur (190 mm).
Kerala Battles Intense Downpour: Four Dead, Hundreds Displaced
Kerala is experiencing relentless rainfall, with 73.6 mm received in the last 24 hours and a total of 320 mm in May so far. The state has reported:
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Four confirmed deaths
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29 houses completely destroyed
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868 partially damaged
The Kerala government issued red alerts for 11 districts, while orange alerts cover Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha. Relief efforts are underway to assist affected families and relocate them to safer zones.
Goa Sees Heavy Rainfall, Andhra and Tamil Nadu Less Impacted
Goa received 54.8 mm in 24 hours, bringing the monthly total to 495.9 mm, drastically surpassing the average rainfall of 44.6 mm for this season. Several minor landslides and traffic disruptions were reported, especially in hilly regions.
By contrast, Andhra Pradesh (6.2 mm) and Tamil Nadu (7.5 mm) witnessed significantly less rainfall, despite being under monsoon coverage. While not as severely impacted, authorities remain on alert for any sudden weather changes.
A Wake-Up Call on Climate Extremes
The early and intense monsoon of 2025 serves as a stark reminder of the growing unpredictability of climate patterns. While monsoons are critical to India’s agriculture and water supply, such abnormal and extreme weather events strain infrastructure and endanger lives.
Authorities are urging citizens to:
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Stay indoors during red alerts,
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Avoid waterlogged roads and weak structures,
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Follow updates from the IMD and local administration.
As the rains continue, coordinated disaster response, early warning systems, and public awareness will play a key role in reducing casualties and damage.