There are many ways the city gears up for the rains. On an individual level, Mumbaikars pull their rain gear out of the mothballs. Bikers and motorists ideally should get their vehicles checked, especially the brakes, given their importance on rain-slicked roads. Commercial establishments have already started putting plastic awnings and sheeting in place, to protect potential customers from the impending torrent.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has declared at least nine buildings in the city as extremely dangerous structures in its annual pre-monsoon survey, and has asked the residents to evacuate immediately.