While Mumbai will not feel the destructive effects of Cyclone Phailin that lashed the coastlines of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa, it will, however, cause more rainfall and make this year’s monsoon the longest the city has seen in more than 50 years, said Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) officials.
“Rain activity over the past few days was a local phenomenon and not caused by Cyclone Phailin. The city can expect sporadic rainfall in the next few days,” said IMD director V K Rajiv. “The rains in the past few days were due to local weather events. However, Cyclone Phailin will delay the withdrawal phase of the monsoon, causing more rains,” said Rajiv.
The monsoon, which has been in withdrawal phase for more than a month, will continue to withdraw only about five days after Phailin subsides. Withdrawal of monsoon, usually complete by September 20, has already been delayed by almost a month due to unusual weather activity.
In 24 hours till 5:30 pm on Monday, the city received maximum rainfall in the eastern suburbs that include Mulund, Powai, Kanjurmarg and Gawanpada, while Andheri, Bandra and Khar in the western suburbs also received considerable rainfall. The island city, however, received almost no rainfall. Mulund, which recorded the highest rainfall, received 47.49mm rainfall and Bandra received 25.37mm rain.
With the monsoon in its withdrawal phase, there has been a decline in the spread of water-borne diseases. However, doctors said there is a spike expected in viral infections from mid-October. “Usually, there is a rise in viral infections in May and then in October for a week or so. People should drink lots of water and take bath twice if needed,” said Dr Nandu Vijay, general physician at Bhatia Hospital.
Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/expect-longest-monsoon-in-over-50-years-met/1182630/
Picture Source: www.ndtv.com
