BMC warns against high tide in June

Mumbai: Citizens will have to keep an eye on the sky in the third week of June, as the period between June 13 and June 18 will see high tides over 4.5 metres in height. This, when accompanied by heavy rainfall, is enough reason for flooding as the sea water brought in by the high tide will prevent rainwater from being drained into the sea.

Also, on June 7, when the monsoon will reach the city as predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a neap tide — the tide just after the first or third quarter of the moon when there is least difference between high and low water — will be seen. Since tidal activity is a matter of concern during monsoon, the BMC has identified days with high tides and issued advisories to all its agencies and citizens.

An official with the BMC disaster management department said, “If there is heavy rainfall coupled with high tides, there is very little any storm water pump can do. The water will not recede until one of these situation abates.” The rain forecast for these days will be available only two or three days in advance. There are a total of 24 high tide days this monsoon, compared to 18 last year. The highest tide this monsoon will be on July 15 (4.97m)

Officials aren’t too concerned about the neap tide on June 7. “June 7 is the day the monsoon is expected to arrive. It’s unlikely we’ll see torrential rains on that day. Besides, the high tide on June 7 is only three metres in height. People need not panic,” they said.