Maharashtra rains: At least 27 dead, heavy rainfall in Mumbai predicted in next two hours

As the seasonal monsoons made a striking entry into Maharashtra, it also handed out its share of woes for the citizens. Work life in the sprawling metropolis of Mumbai took a hit following the incessant rainfall since the last two days, as road and railway traffic remained jammed with water choking the tracks.

However, in what comes as a repeated case of disaster due to shoddy construction, at least 27 people have died in three separate incidents of a wall collapse in Maharashtra.

In East Malad, a wall collapsed on hutments due to heavy rains, killing 18 people.

In Kalyan, a portion of a compound wall of a school broke down, killing 3 persons while one has been admitted to the hospital.

In Pune, again, a portion of a compound wall of a college fell down on an adjoining camp of labourers, killing 6 persons.

The Maharashtra government on Tuesday declared a public holiday in three districts of the state -- Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, and the Thane district. It also said that only emergency services will remain functional in Mumbai due to the incessant rains that have affected road traffic and railways in the city. People have also been asked to avoid stepping out of their homes unless absolutely necessary.

Mumbai's local trains, long-distance trains, and flights have also been badly affected due to the torrential downpour.