The supermoon has characteristically given rise to tidal waves.
Seawater has reached the edge of Cadel Road in Bandra and the walkway
to Haji Ali, which is situated in the sea, was completely submerged
under water till Monday morning.
Disaster officials said this is the strongest signal of climate change
and rising level of seawater. Importantly, the waves measure only 4.85
metres — much lower than the 5.05 m in 2009, and yet, such a situation
had not occurred then.
A senior official from the disaster control said, “This is something
unusual. Even the highest waves in 2009 — at 5 m and 5.05 m — had not
led to such a situation.” The three-year span from 2009 to 2012 is too
short a time for such alarming changes to take place and for sea
levels to rise to such extents, the official added.
Though the disaster control cell has not yet received any complaint,
it has, as a precautionary measure, alerted all the beaches in the
city to the situation.
Environmentalist Sumaira Abdullah said, “It’s a bit unlikely for
climate change to bring about such extreme situations in just three
years. But at the same, it can be one of the reasons, particularly
considering the difference between the wave measurements and their
effects. However, what needs to be understood is that this can also be
a result of rampant land reclamation. Land reclamation in coastal
areas like Alibaug is bound to be such effects here.”
However, by evening, seawater levels had receded completely and the
Haji Ali walkway was thronging with people.