Mumbai, July 23: Mumbai is on the edge again. With memories of deluge on July 26, 2005 still fresh, the city prepares itself for a tough day ahead after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) warned of high tide over 5 metre on Thursday.
The city’s civic body has already issued a flood advisory. While today’s high tide will be of 5.01 metre at 1.23 pm, Friday’s could be even worse. According to BMC, July 24 will witness one of the highest tides this season at 5.05m at 2.03 pm.
In view of the tide, the BMC has urged Mumbaikars to restrict all non-essential travel on Thursday and Friday. It has also asked people not to venture out in the sea or near it.
Although BMC says it is fully prepared to tackle any eventuality, its tall claims may fall flat if heavy showers coincide with high tide. Because then it is very unlikely that the city’s 100-year-old drainage system would be able to release excess water into the sea.
However, not willing to take any chances, the civic body has deployed six search-and-rescue teams at Kalina, Kurla, BKC, Chembur, Marol and Borivali. BMC has also trained around 300 firemen to swim in strong currents.
Every ward has been provided manpower and equipment to tackle flooding. The Navy, too, has set up its own search-and-rescue teams at Ghatkopar, Colaba, Malad and Worli.
–Agencies