Mumbaikars speak of their nightmare on Wednesday while trying to find their way home amid the chaos
Dr Ameya Damle
The incessant rainfall and the subsequent waterlogging on Wednesday paralysed the city by bringing to a halt its lifeline — Mumbai locals — among affecting hundreds of commuters who struggled to their destination. The massive traffic jam on already-flooded roads, too, brought sufferings to many.
A night at office
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Over 120 employees of New India Assurance had to spend Wednesday night at Fort office due to waterlogging. "As there were no trains or other means of transportation to go home, about 120 of us decided to stay at office. Next morning, we all took the first train home," said Anurag Patil, a Seawoods resident.
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As many as 20 staffers of Sir JJ School of Art, Sir JJ Institute of Applied Arts and Sir JJ College of Architecture were given shelter by the director's office on Wednesday. "Several employees come from far off places. We didn't want them to risk their lives by going out in the condition when no one could even see the roads. After rain stopped, we gave them accommodation at the guest house of the director's office," said Vinod Dange, an employee, on Thursday.
Also Read: Mumbai rains: Seasonal rainfall crosses 3000 mm mark
Loss of a newborn
Shama Bano, who lost her newborn, with husband
While several managed to find comfort despite the horrific state of the city, tragedy struck a family from Bandra East. Shama Bano, 25, was on Wednesday blessed with a newborn, but she lost her child within minutes of the birth.
With hearse ambulances stuck on the waterlogged streets, V N Desai Hospital at Santacruz couldn't arrange for the child to be taken to Byculla's Rahmatabad Cemetery for burial. "Even in the morning, the hospital refused to provide any vehicle. We asked private vehicles but they charged close to Rs 10,000 because of waterlogging," said Bano's sister Reshma Sheikh. The body has been lying in the hospital's cold storage since last night.
Also Read: Mumbai Rains: Social worker saves the rainy day for Vasai-Virar residents
A futile struggle
Dr Amey Damle, a Dadar resident, left his home at 11 am on Wednesday for his office at Kanjurmarg, but got stuck at Vikhroli. As the autos refused ride because of flooded roads, he decided to get back home. He managed to get to Andheri station, and waited till 7 pm hoping to find a train to Dadar. Realising that he was struggling in vain, he rang up his friend in Andheri and took shelter at his place.
He returned home early Thursday morning and reported to work a few hours later.
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