Can we learn from the "Mumbai spirit" witnessed on 26/7 in the era of climate consequences? 

The date 26th July 2005 is etched in the memory of every Mumbaiite. On that day, it rained heavily. It rather poured. It recorded the highest-ever rainfall of 944 mm in one day, about 45% of the average annual rainfall. The city just drowned. The deluge killed over 1000 people and left the citizens with permanent scars.

On that day, as usual, everyone had gone to work in the morning and got caught in this frenzy of nature. Heavy rain caused flooding and waterlogging. Local train movement stopped due to the water on the tracks. Submergence of certain low-lying city pockets brought road traffic to a grinding halt. People got stuck in offices, and students got stuck in schools and colleges.

But Mumbai showed its true spirit. Mumbaiites came forward to help people stuck in heavy rains. They showed compassion and generosity. People offered their homes to strangers. Gurudwaras across the city provided food and shelter. Volunteers from everywhere came together to distribute food in trains. People driving back home offered rides to the stranded. People formed human chains to fight the water and walk through floods. Rich and poor came together to help each other.

My colleague could save herself by taking shelter on the rooftop of a double-decker bus. My daughter stayed at her friend's place near her college and returned home the following day. My home on the university campus became a shelter for those stranded there. I know of a good swimmer who saved many from drowning. But, unfortunately, he got pulled by strong water currents and died. There are many such unsung heroes.

In the era of climate consequences, we will witness such events with greater intensity and frequency. No climate-resilient infrastructure will be sufficient to fight such a fury of nature. The only way is to help each other. Forget the economic and social differences. Shouldn't we inculcate the "Mumbai spirit" in these days of polarization and division? After all, India has taught us "Vasudhaiva kutumbakam," which means that the earth is one family. Forget "country first" or "community first"; let us say "the planet first."

Use Hyurja for a greener future. (https://www.hyurja.com/ )