A deadly mix of high tide, 944 mm of rain and a crippled administration ensured 413 deaths in Mumbai on July 26, 2005.
A deadly mix of high tide, 944 mm of rain and a crippled administration ensured 413 deaths in Mumbai on July 26, 2005. With the Mumbai Port Trust releasing dates of high tides this monsoon, Mumbaikars, especially those living in low-lying areas, have to keep their fingers crossed that there is no repeat of the deluge.
This year, 22 days of monsoon have been earmarked dangerous as compared to 19 days last year. On eight days the tide is expected to rise above 4.9 metres, while last year the highest tide was reported to be 4.86 metres. According to the list received by the BMC from MPT, on July 23 and 24, 2009, the tide is expected to rise to 5.05m, which is about 57 cm higher than what was recorded on the day of the deluge.u00a0
"A high tide above 4.5 metre will be a problem only when it coincides with heavy rainfall," said S S Shinde, joint municipal commissioner, disaster management.
Is BMC prepared?
According to Shinde, the BMC has trained 120 firemen to swim in strong currents in case there is flooding and another 192 firemen will be trained before the onset of the rainy season. "More men will be deployed in areas like Kurla, Kalina and Santa Cruz where the probability of flooding is higher. We have purchased 12 boats.''
The BMC is also widening storm water drains under the Rs 1,200 crore Brimstowad project. "So far, we have widened 38 nullahs and tenders have been issued for another 59," said V L Joshi, chief engineer, storm water drains.
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The civic body has identified 248 low-lying areas, and water pumps are to be deployed at 207 spots.
Prof Kapil Gupta said, "My analysis of the past 10 years rainfall over Mumbai has shown that on the days on which the city gets flooded, the intensity of rainfall was 72 mm/h (excluding 26/7 when it was 190 mm/h). The IPCC has identified that because of climate change and urbanisation, we are going to witness more intense rainfalle. We should, therefore, revamp the drainage systems, preserve the existing holding ponds and create new ones."
"People should be better prepared. Simple measures like closing the schools and other non-essential services may reduce the inconvenience and anxiety."
Prof Gupta said the immediate steps that can be taken to avoid repeat of 26/7 is a well-monitored programme for desilting drains, which should be completed before the onset of the monsoon.u00a0
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