Mumbai: The current spell of rain is actually heavier than the deluge that stopped the city in its tracks on August 29, the BMC said on Wednesday. On that day last month, the Santacruz observatory recorded 300 mm of rain, while Bhandup S-Ward and and Matunga F-North Ward received 99 mm and 90 mm in an hour respectively.
S.G. Kambale, a scientist in IMD Mumbai, confirmed that the rainfall on September 19 was heavier.
On September 19, Andheri received the most rainfall at 334 mm, while 24 in the city received more than 200 mm. Dahisar received the most rainfall at 90 mm in one hour, followed by Borivali with 74 mm. The BMC said it took 25 hours to drain accumulated rainwater on August 29, but only around 10 hours on September 19.
On August 29, the neap tide reading — when there is least difference between high and low water — the difference was only 0.85m. On September 19, this was 3.4m. During neap tide on August 29, the sea level rose, leading to floodgates being closed for a longer period. This meant it took more time to drain the flood water.
The deluge last month compelled authorities to divert 15 BEST services, but only seven bus routes were diverted on September 19. Last month, suburban railway services were suspended for 19 hours on the Main Line, 4.35 hours on the Western Line and 21.5 hours on Harbour Line. The rains on September 19 delayed local trains by only 15-20 minutes.
