FLOODS IN MUMBAI?
I never thought that floods will also occur in Mumbai! Most of Mumbaites agree with me. But on 26th July 2005, the history was created, unprecedented rains lashed the city and Mumbai was flooded, setting a new world record of the highest ever rainfall in 24 hours. I was in churchgate when my wife informed me that my building is under the flood waters. I told here not to panic as my building is located near Mithi River and it gets flooded sometimes during monsoon. After half hour I received another call from my son, who told me to not to come home as the water level has risen sharply, and now it is neck deep. I told him to relax and sit. After some time when I tried to take return transport, I was told that local trains stopped operating. Taxis are not operating beyond Mahim. Buses also running late. I got the real position only when I reached Mahim. All vehicles are struck, so I decided to walk towards Santacruz where I reside. I walked up to Bandra flyover. When I reached to the other side of the flyover very few are daring to walk in the water as there was neck deep water under the flyover. So I decided to turn back and go via S. V Road. When I reached Khar I saw a Police Constable who is not letting the people go to Santacruz. So I changed mind again and decided to spend the night at Khar Station. I saw many men, women, children at station. Mobile lines were down so I could not inform any body and spend the whole night at station. I could not sleep nor I got a good place to relax. I spent the whole night sitting on the steps and walking around in between. As soon as there was a sigh of sun I decided to walk on the tracks and reached Santacruz. I got out and started walking towards home via vakola where the water was then up to three feet. There were patches of low lying areas where I found the water and other places are fine. Any way I reached my home at 8.30 a.m. Every Mumbai citizen did his bit to help stranded people and set an extraordinary example of compassion and courage. The spirit worked relentlessly and selflessly. We at MDMPA salute the spirit of Mumbai and are proud and privileged to be a part of it.
The tragedy is far from over. It is likely to leave behind a trail of water born diseases and now it is time for us to take care of our city's health and to tell the world that "MDMPA EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS EVERY TIME".
LESSONS
I got the following lessons from this experience:
1. Never play with nature.
2. Be prepared to see the worst any time.
3. Never rely on the government.
4. Think positively.
5. Make prayer a habit.