Mumbai: Heavy rains bring India financial capital to a standstill

News imageBBC A vegetable seller sits at his stall, amid a flood left by the heavy rains in Mumbai.BBC
Heavy rainfall in the western city of Mumbai has disrupted life in India's financial capital. Local trains - the city's lifeline - have been halted, cars are stuck on roads and airport operations were suspended.
News imagePeople trying to navigate the streets flooded with rain, umbrellas at hand.
Officials believe this downpour could be the heaviest rainfall since 2005. City residents have been asked not to leave their homes, and those who braved the journey to work were stranded.
News imagePeople trying to navigate the streets flooded with rain, umbrellas at hand.
People are reaching out to help on social media - they are using the hashtag #RainHosts to offer shelter to those stranded.
News imageTwo children with umbrellas on a flooded street
Across the city, the transport infrastructure has been affected, with railway stations and trains flooded, as well as reported traffic jams on all major roads.
News imagePeople trying to navigate the streets flooded with rain, umbrellas at hand.
Indian media reports say three teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are on alert and are monitoring the situation.