India, May 26 -- The southwest monsoon arrived in Mumbai with an unprecedented force on Monday, causing severe waterlogging and traffic chaos across the city. The compunds of the Mantralaya or state secretariat, and the Bombay High Court were also among those flooded.

Videos captured water swirling through these critical government institutions, disrupting operations and prompting emergency responses.

In view of the severe weather, the Maharashtra Government issued an official notification allowing early closure of all government offices in Mantralaya and across Brihanmumbai.

The circular, issued by the General Administration Department, cited the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) "Red Alert" for Mumbai and suburban regions, alon...