Very high tides, rain threaten city this wk

Mumbai: The BMC and the railways are gearing up to tackle a combination of heavy rainfall and unusually high tides this week. The sea is expected to rise above 4.5 metres for five consecutive days. Any tide above the 4.5-metre level combined with more than 

65mm rainfall in a day can result in water-logging in lowlying areas and throw the city out of joint. 
    The Pune-based IMD on Monday predicted heavy rainfall during the next 24 hours in Maharashtra, with the intensity expected to increase in parts of the Konkan region, including Mumbai, on Wednesay. Although the local Met office has not predicted heavy rainfall for the city in the next two days, officials cautioned that climatic conditions are prone to sudden change. 
    In June, the BMC couldn't deal with localized flooding as pumps installed at various places to drain away the water failed to function. Railway officials are also on alert as heavy rain could flood the tracks. CR has decided to suspend services if the water level is 100mm above rail level.