I have always heard or seen news stories about Mumbai being flooded with rains and people being stranded midway. But this was the first time I experienced it first hand.
Reports suggest that Mumbai is experiencing its worst rainfall in the past 9 years. This is more or less like 2005 or maybe even worse.
I was in college when the news started pouring in (pun intended).
Some students got in late for the morning lecture because the locals were slow. Even then I thought this would all subside in a few hours. But it got worse.
By the noon, Dadar, Bandra, Matunga, and Mahim had already begun to be flooded.
My parents, friends, colleagues, and relatives started calling constantly to check if I am okay and are in loop with me about the condition here.
My college had an event today which had to be postponed until further notice because there was no audience for the same. Half the college could not turn up due to lack of conveyance, neither cabs nor local trains.
The students who had managed to come to college in the morning but live far away could not travel back to their respective accommodations because of excessive water logging on the streets. They have been provided with accommodation, food from the canteen, sheets, and blankets inside college for their stay tonight.
It was so heartening to see the college authorities, seniors and teachers taking care of the students and constantly keeping a check on their needs.
PEOPLE STRANDED OR STUCK
By God’s grace, I wasn’t directly affected by the ruckus created by the rains. But I am hearing stories from all over the place from my friends and relatives.
Colleges have been closed for tomorrow.
Someone shared a story on Instagram where the lights and cars on the Bandra-Worli Sea Link were literally shaking due to excessive winds. It takes barely 8-9 minutes to cross the Sea link normally, but today people have been stuck for 2 or more hours.
A friend informed that her father who works in New India Assurance Ltd. in Dadar has around 300-400 employees stuck in the office because Dadar is one of the worst hit areas. The food is being arranged from the office canteen and officials are constantly working to get more food to feed everyone.
People have been stuck in traffic jams for over 5 hours with water level covering half their vehicles. Those trying to walk their way through the mess have had to walk in knee deep water to reach their destinations.
In some places, especially Dadar and Bandra, which have been the worst hit, electricity facilities are affected. There has been a power cut for 4-6 hours.
THE SPIRIT OF MUMBAI
Within no time I saw helpline numbers and addresses being circulated. (Find them at the bottom of this article.)
People living in accessible places are offering their flats/PGs to absolute strangers.
Gurudwaras offering food and a place to stay for people who are stranded.
Restaurants and hotels opening up 24*7 to help people with free food and accommodation facilities.
Colleges made students stay back in classrooms last night, provided them with food and blankets to make their overnight comfortable and safe.
It was so exhilarating to see random strangers walk up to you and ask whether you’ll be okay or not. Whether you have a place to stay. People were on their toes to help each other.
WORD OF CAUTION
For now, the areas of Marine Lines, Charni Road, Grant Road and Girgaon are pretty clear. If you live in these areas, hoard some food for yourself for at least 2 days.
Try and avoid going out of your house as much as possible. It is not a good condition outside.
Be in touch with your friends and family.
If you need to go somewhere, try and go in groups.
Keep a lot of band-aids handy. There are chances of getting hurt easily. You can help your friends that way who have had to cross the waters.
HELPLINE NUMBERS
Text received on WhatsApp
Photo Credits: WhatsApp from friends
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