The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has asked Mumbaikars to expect heavy to very heavy rainfall in the next 24 to 48 hours. Heavy showers are expected from Thursday morning.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has asked Mumbaikars to expect heavy to very heavy rainfall in the next 24 to 48 hours. Heavy showers are expected from Thursday morning.
Rajiv Nivatekar, joint secretary of State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), said in the next 48 hours till September 23, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in Konkan, Marathwada, Madhya Maharashtra (Central Maharashtra) and Vidharbha. The IMD has forecast very heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours in North Konkan (including Mumbai).
The IMD regional forecast for Mumbai and suburban areas is intermittent or almost continuous rain or showers with few heavy spells. The cyclonic circulation now along the coast of Andhra Pradesh is gaining strength. Coupled with that, another cyclonic circulation is developing in the Arabian sea off the coast of Mumbai.
“Under the influence of these weather systems there will be increased tendency of rainfall in Mumbai and northern districts of Thane and Palghar,” said Suhas Diwase, director of SDMA. About 401mm rainfall has been recorded in Thane and Palghar districts, he added.
Mr Diwase said the intensity of the monsoon is likely to continue for the next two to three days. Replying to queries on the possibility of a repeat of the July 26-27 deluge in 2005, he clarified that if it rains about 150mm in 24 hours, then there would be no problem. However, if the same amount of rainfall occurs in just two hours, it leads to flooding.
During the 2005 floods, almost 92mm rain fell just in an hour and around 300mm in the next few hours, which choked the streets of Mumbai.
Mr Nivatkar said that this year, the rainfall has crossed last year’s average rainfall, which was in the range of 660mm to 670mm. This year, the rainfall till September 18 has been 972mm.
Mr Nivatkar said good rainfall has resulted in most of the major and medium irrigation dams being full to the brim, barring two dams in Majalgaon (Beed district) and Manjra (Latur district) where the water stock is still less.
