Cyclone brings heavy rain to Bombay, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• On June 2, 1926, Bombay (now Mumbai) and its suburbs experienced heavy rain and gusty winds due to a cyclone in the Arabian Sea.
• The cyclone was located approximately 180 km west of Bombay.
• Significant rainfall was recorded, with Colaba receiving 30.2 mm between 2 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
• The weather event severely impacted shipping in Bombay harbour and caused rail disruptions due to snapped overhead cables.
• The Colaba Observatory issued a warning for "very high to phenomenal" seas and a potential six-meter storm surge.
• The storm was projected to move in a north-northeast direction along the South Gujarat coast.

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Detailed Insights:

• The heavy rainfall and strong winds caused widespread disruption, particularly affecting thousands of commuters in Bombay.
• Rainfall figures varied across the city, with Santacruz recording 3.8 mm and Worli 18 mm during the early morning hours.
• The Colaba Observatory, established in the early 19th century, played a crucial role in monitoring weather patterns and issuing forecasts for the region.
• Disruptions to rail communications were noted, specifically near Andheri, where overhead cables were damaged, leading to train delays.
• The forecast of a six-meter storm surge highlighted the severe risk of coastal inundation and potential damage to low-lying areas.
• Coastal cities in India, including Mumbai, are increasingly vulnerable to the combined impacts of cyclones, extreme rainfall, and rising sea levels.
• Historically, cyclones forming in the Arabian Sea often track towards Oman or Gujarat, making direct hits on Mumbai less frequent but still a significant threat.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Cyclone: A large-scale weather system characterized by a low-pressure center and inward-spiraling winds, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.
• Storm Surge: An abnormal rise in sea level caused by a storm's winds pushing water onshore, significantly exceeding the normal tide.
• Colaba Observatory: A historic meteorological, geomagnetic, and astronomical observatory in Mumbai, crucial for weather forecasting and scientific research.
• Arabian Sea: A part of the Indian Ocean, known for cyclonic activity, which can impact India's western coast.