Mumbai building collapse leaves six dead amid heavy monsoon rain

At least six people, including five children, were killed after a residential building collapsed in Mumbai as torrential monsoon rains flooded large parts of India‍‍`s financial capital, officials said on Monday.

The incident occurred on Sunday in the eastern part of the city, where an ageing residential building gave way, trapping residents beneath the rubble, according to Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde.

The tragedy unfolded as relentless rainfall disrupted normal life across the city. The India Meteorological Department said Mumbai received more than 200 millimetres (7.8 inches) of rain in just 24 hours.

The weather agency has issued a red alert for Monday, warning of more heavy rain and strong winds.

Flooded roads caused widespread disruption, prompting authorities to suspend classes at all schools and colleges across the city.

Mayor Tawde urged residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary, warning that strong winds could bring down trees and branches.

Mumbai‍‍`s latest weather emergency comes after weeks of extreme heat and growing concerns over water shortages. Last month, authorities imposed restrictions on water use, including cutting supplies to swimming pools and construction sites.

India depends heavily on the annual monsoon season to replenish water supplies and support agriculture, but scientists say climate change is making weather patterns increasingly unpredictable. This year‍‍`s El Nino conditions have also raised concerns about below-normal rainfall in parts of the country.