Hundreds evacuated as rains lash Mumbai

Office workers stayed home following the downpour late Friday evening and early Saturday that triggered memories of the floods just over a month ago that killed more than 400 people.

Nearly 300 families living in slums in low-lying areas were moved to higher ground. "This was done as a precautionary measure," Mumbai municipal commissioner Johny Joseph, said.

"All emergency services are on alert and we're in constant touch with the weather bureau," Krishna Vatse, head of Mumbai's disaster management cell, told AFP.

The regional meteorological department forecast "frequent spells of rain or thundershowers with one or two heavy spells" for Mumbai until early Sunday.