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NewsFYIMumbai rains: How Mumbaikars put social media platforms to best use

Mumbai rains: How Mumbaikars are using social media platforms to avoid 2005-like situation

Here is how Mumbaikars are using social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to help out each other after the constant heavy rain brought the city to a standstill.

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Photo: PTI
Photo: PTI
India Today Web Desk
India Today Web Desk
New Delhi,UPDATED: Aug 30, 2017 14:57 IST

While the constant heavy rain has suspended suburban train services and water-logged roads in low-lying areas affected the traffic, it is the spirit of Mumbaikars and their use of social media that is ensuring a 2005-like situation is not repeated in the city.

Mumbai and adjoining Navi Mumbai and Thane regions were left crippled after 300 mm rainfall flooded the roads and railway tracks. Air traffic was badly hit and flights were delayed

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Some relief is expected with the weather department predicting light to moderate rainfall in the city today.

India Meteorological Department Director General K J Ramesh said that the Santacruz weather station recorded 8-9 cm (80-90 mm) of rainfall from 8.30 am to 11.30 am. The Colaba weather station has recorded 15 cm to 20 cm (150-200 mm) of rainfall during the same period, Ramesh said.

Also read: Mumbai rains LIVE: Heavy showers expected in some areas, number of trains cancelled

He, however, refused to compare the situation with that on July 26, 2005 as 10-15 cm of rainfall in a day is normal for Mumbai. "The one the city received on July 26, 2005 was unprecedented", the Director General said.

The city witnessed the heaviest rains since 26 July, 2005 when Mumbai received 94 cm of rain in a single day.

During the 2005 floods, many parts of Maharashtra including large areas of Mumbai were flooded and the disaster claimed at least 1500 lives. The 2005 Maharashtra flood, large number of people lost their homes and were stranded on the roads.

Also read: Mumbai rains: 10 videos that show what Mumbaikars are braving right now

But this time, Mumbaikars have opened up their offices and homes to the stranded people. They are offering food, shelter, clean clothes and for enthusiasts, even Wi-Fi and Netflix. But how are they reaching out to so many people? Here comes the role of social media.

Mumbaikars are using social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to help each other. Users are posting their location and offering shelter to people stranded in nearby areas.

People offering shelter were tweeting using #RainHosts and it soon trended on Twitter. In fact, a compiled list of people offering help and their locations was created and made accessible to all.

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Facebook activated its safety check feature which allows people to mark themselves safe and let their friends and relatives know.

In fact, Facebook users are posting about their needs and people are volunteering to help them with whatever they need.

Companies like OYO Rooms, Ola Cabs, RedBus provided their services for free.

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Ola in Mumbai suspended peak pricing and OlaShare rides were free. Moreover, Ola Shuttle services were running for free. OYO and RedBus too offered free shelter at nearby and selected hotels.

The way Mumbaikars and companies are doing their bit to ensure people are safe is exemplary and is worth appreciation. Go Mumbai!

Also read: Mumbai rains in pictures: Rains wreak havoc in Maximum City

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