Mumbai:
For those who are still haunted by the 26/7 Mumbai deluge, this year could be quite peaceful as all the high tides this monsoon will be below five metres.
However, any tide above 4.5m will be a matter of concern.
According to the list sent by the Mumbai Port trust (MPT) to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), this monsoon on 27 occasions there will be tides of more than 4.5 meters and below 4.80 meters.
"This year, we are lucky as we do not have tide of 5m and above. But still any tide over 4.5m is considered as high tide and if it is coupled with heavy rains then it is a matter of concern," Disaster Management Cell, Joint Municipal Commissioner, S S Shinde told PTI.
If such tides coincide with heavy rains then its dangerous. We will ensure that Mumbaikars remain safe, he said.
According to the data available with civic officials, there will not be any high tide measuring five metres this year, with the highest expected to be 4.80 metres on September 30 at 0148 hours.
The deluge of July 26, 2005 saw 944 mm of heavy rainfall coinciding with a tide of 4.48m which left the entire city marooned with unprecedented floods, claiming lives of more than 400 people.
But this time the civic body is all geared up to meet any such eventuality.
"To ensure that Mumbaikars do not face difficulties this monsoon we are taking measures and making all required preparations. We will keep the people updated about the dates of tides and other details through our website," Shinde said.