As Mumbai tackles one of the worst rains since 2005, its citizens have come forward to help those in need. Like always, the indomitable spirit of Mumbai wins, despite govt’s apathy and indifference.
This collective effort they have displayed is something to be exceptionally proud about. It started with people tweeting under #Mumbairains on Twitter where they shared the state of the waterlogged city and suggestions to fellow commuters to avoid certain areas. But they haven’t stopped here; there are many people and organizations which are offering people food, water, or their couch. The offices, schools, and religious places are now acting as makeshift shelters and people have opened their homes to those stranded on roads and stations. A new hashtag #RainHosts is doing its rounds on Twitter where people are tweeting about their missing loved ones, requests to give shelter to stray animals, offering some tea and books, among other praiseworthy things.
If anyone is stuck around the Powai area, you are welcome to my place. We have books, tea, and a surprisingly comfortable couch. #RainHosts
— Siddharth Agarwal (@BoredMechie) August 29, 2017
Guys, tweeting again. But anyone btwn #Santacruz to #khar who are stuck pls DM me. We’ve got enuf space for atlst 8-10 ppl #mumbairains
— Roma Kandpal (@WanderrWonder) August 29, 2017
#MumbaiRainsIf you see any dog or cat stranded on roads please feed them. If possible please adopt them for few days.
— Giri Nath (@Giri_Davey) August 29, 2017
Can’t help much but if anybody has medical emergency, they can contact me & I’ll try to help
Ph. 7974399078#SpiritOfMumbai#MumbaiRains— Dr. Holmes (@dr_insomnia89) August 29, 2017
Anyone needs shelter? I have Maggi. And dry clothes. (Santacruz West) #MumbaiRain #MumbaiRains
— ishafire (@ishafire) August 29, 2017
To all those living in high-rise apartments, please do reach out to security-guards, drivers, cooks, house-helps, other stranded visitors.
— Javed Iqbal (@JavedIq60762035) August 29, 2017
The food being distributed by many groups at railway stations and other public spots has come as a respite for people who are not able to be at their homes.
Good to see @BJYM4Mumbai team helps people of Mumbai in different ways in different areas of Mumbai.Kudos to all the members.#MumbaiRains pic.twitter.com/QwZgJghI6N
— Hritik Singh (@Hritiksingh25) August 30, 2017
Even now at 2 am people offering food and tea to people stuck in traffic at kings circle matunga! Humanity is still alive 🙏🏻 #MumbaiRains
— Gaurang Khanvilkar (@GaurangAf7) August 29, 2017
1.15am train leaving from Churchgate and it’s full. Random volunteers offering free Vada pav and chai etc. to all passengers. #MumbaiRains
— Prathamesh Samant (@prathamesh312) August 29, 2017
#MumbaiRains foods are getting distributed at churchgate rly station by local residents pic.twitter.com/ktWCraIIqw
— Vineet Kumar Singh (@vineetksingh88) August 29, 2017
In such a situation, companies and cab hailing services are doing their share and helping the stranded commuters to their doorstep.
#Mumbai We’re running free Shuttle services to get you safely to your destination from these locations https://t.co/sHfGSoNAl5 #MumbaiRains
— Ola (@Olacabs) August 29, 2017
My @Olacabs driver in blue helped this guy in blue car to move the tree #Humanity Crazy #mornings with #MumbaiRains #StaySafe pic.twitter.com/Cp1VPtahgZ
— Jay (@jksingh99) August 29, 2017
Accommodation help by @goibibo and Shuttle service by @Olacabs #mumbairains #service pic.twitter.com/t1N9C71ing
— Kirti Ghiye Jaiswal (@kirtighiye) August 29, 2017
Indian Navy Distributing Breakfast & Tea At CSMT Station. Help Yourself Only If u Don’t Have Other Option.Let The Needy Have It#MumbaiRains pic.twitter.com/rqd7vOWFmI
— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) August 30, 2017
Then you witness the kindness of random strangers on the roads of Mumbai.
If your car is out of fuel/ stranded #Diall100 or 8454999999 or tweet us for free towing till the nearest fuel pump or garage #mumbairains
— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) August 30, 2017
Love watching Mumbaikar who came out to help to the people who stuck in middle of the road 👏#MumbaiRains it’s a great sign of #humanity ✌️
— sanjay 22🇮🇳 (@Sanjaymandaviya) August 30, 2017
The collective effort of Mumbai can be seen everywhere. Various religious establishments have opened their doors and are distributing food and shelter to the frazzled commuters.
Please tell anyone who needs shelter tonight to come over to St Peters Church Bandra
– Fr. Frazer sj— Mini Mathur (@minimathur) August 29, 2017
Mahim dargah, all gurudwaras, all Ganesh mandals have organised food and shelter. If stranded, go to the nearest one.
— Kajal K Iyer (@Kajal_Iyer) August 29, 2017
anybody need any protection/food in Byculla(W) pls come to Hindustani Masjid, opp. station, Arangments for all (caste no bar) #MumbaiRains
— Saad Shaikh (@anyforsaad) August 29, 2017
Dadar Sikh Gurudwara served food & provided shelter all night to Mumbaikars. Sikhs also sent food to Dadar Stn. & Tata Hospital #MumbaiRains pic.twitter.com/OWGR0UkWoM
— Harjinder S Kukreja (@SinghLions) August 30, 2017
It’s these heartfelt gestures from the citizens of Mumbai that show that we might look different and live different lives but stand together in face of an adversity.