Expect fewer high tides this monsoon
In a breather for Mumbaikars and civic authorities, the number of high tide occasions during the coming monsoon is expected to be much less than last year.
In a breather for Mumbaikars and civic authorities, the number of high tide occasions during the coming monsoon is expected to be much less than last year.
In 2015, the sea soared above 4.5 metre 33 times whereas this year, it is expected to soar about 4.5 metre around 26 times. Tides above 4.5 metre, considered high tides, are always a cause for concern as they almost always result in water logging in low-lying areas of the city.
The number of high tide occasions in 2014 was 27 while in 2013, it was 21. The years 2011, 2010 and 2009 saw 27, 26 and 22 high tide occasions, respectively. While the number of high tide occasions last year was significantly higher as compared to recent years (33), a poor monsoon bailed the city out of possible calamity. In 2016 however, the meteorological department has predicted good rains which will keep the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) authorities on their toes.
According to the department, major high tides this year will only be during early June when there is little possibility of heavy rain. The highest tide will be on June 6 with sea waves reaching a height of 4.91 metre at 1.23 pm. Apart from this, June 5 and 7 will see major high tides of 4.87 and 4.85 metre, respectively. In August, there will be a high tide of 4.77 metre, according to the department.
No high tide measuring five metre has been predicted this year. In 2009, the city had seen the highest tide in the last 100 years, with sea waves more than five metre in height ravaging the city shores on July 23 and 24. “If it rains heavily on high tide days, there is a possibility of flooding in the city. Considering the expected threats, we ask the concerned authorities and people living on seafronts to remain alert during high tide days,” said a senior civic official.
Mumbaikars have still not forgotten the horrific memories of July 26, 2005, when 944 mm rain coincided with a relative high tide of 4.48 metres and the city saw unprecedented flooding, with more than 400 people losing their lives.