Mumbai braces for record 4.89m tides as monsoon floods threaten
Mumbai is preparing for a challenging monsoon season, with 24 high-tide days forecasted between June and September. Last year, the city faced 19 such events, including a peak tide of 4.75 metres on June 26. This year, authorities are bracing for even higher waters, with the season's most severe tide expected on July 16 at 1:36 pm, reaching 4.89 metres.
The upcoming monsoon will bring multiple periods of elevated tides, with notable spikes predicted between June 14-19, July 13-18, August 12-16, and September 10-13 and 28-30. The highest tide of the season, forecasted for July 16, will measure 4.89 metres, while another peak on July 19 may exceed that level. Tides above 4.5 metres are classified as dangerous, posing a serious risk of flooding in low-lying areas.
To mitigate risks, authorities plan to close floodgates during heavy rain, preventing seawater from entering vulnerable zones. However, the combination of intense rainfall and high tides could overwhelm the city's drainage system, increasing the likelihood of waterlogging. Emergency teams, including the Mumbai Fire Brigade and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), will remain on standby throughout these high-risk periods. Last year's highest tide of 4.75 metres on June 26 caused significant disruption. This year's projections suggest even greater challenges, particularly if heavy rain coincides with the peak tides in mid-July and mid-August.
The city's emergency services are on high alert, ready to respond to potential flooding. With 24 high-tide days ahead, Mumbai's infrastructure and disaster response teams face a demanding season. Authorities have stressed the importance of closing floodgates and monitoring drainage capacity to reduce risks during the most critical periods.
