Stuck In Mumbai Rains? Here Are 10 Safety Tips For You & Your Family

Mumbai has received continuous rainfall on July 2, leaving the city paralysed. Heavy rainfall across the city left at least 23 dead and threw the entire city into chaos with water-logging, traffic snarls and several trains and flight being cancelled.

I was in Mumbai in 2017 and had witnessed the spate of monsoon in the metropolis. People in Mumbai believe that there are only two seasons - monsoon and summer. Rain plays a spoilsport every July, bringing the financial capital to a standstill.

In 2017, when I left my home at Andheri to make it to the office, I was stuck in a Mumbai local, considered to be the lifeline of the metro at Bandra. The train lines were blocked and it was a stampede-like situation at the station with people trying to reach their destinations on time. I was tossing from one end of the station to another asking auto-rickshaws to help me reach office but no one agreed as there was a high-tide alert. I could not make it to the office that day. I had to walk a good 15 kilometer to reach home wading through waist-deep water. I even tumbled many times on potholes. The stretch that usually takes half around 45 minutes, took me a good 4 hours.

For a city that never sleeps, rains cause it to come to a standstill with people leaving behind their vehicles on streets and walking back home. Seems the situation has still not changed.

If you or any of your relative is staying in Mumbai then here are dos and dont's for you to remember if you are stuck in the rain.

Avoid Traveling In Your Two-Wheelers During Rain

Traveling is a task in Mumbai. People have to travel several kilometers every day to reach their desired destination. Some even travel over 100 kilometers to their work. However, there are some who rely on two-wheelers to reach places nearby but riding two-wheelers can result to be dangerous during rainy days. Mumbai roads have too many potholes and due to water-logging, the rider can't spot them. It also skids a lot on wet streets. It is advisable to avoid riding in your two-wheelers during monsoon or days when it is raining.

Use M-Indicator

Local trains are considered to be the lifeline of Mumbai and every little update about it is available on mobile application - M Indicator. The app is so helpful that it will give you updates on the movement of local trains, any change in schedule, which will be the closer station to you, among others. Not only local trains, but the app also provides details about buses, autos, and other public transport. So if you are stuck anywhere, the mobile application will provide you all the updates.

Things That You Must Carry

Ensure that you are carrying safety gadgets when you step out during rains. You must also be extra cautious and cover these gadgets from getting it wet in rain. A torch will help you locate your way on streets with low or no light. Carry power bank as you may not know when your mobile phone battery will drain out and if you get stuck in rain, you won't be able to update your family. Carry a waterproof pouch to keep your mobile and other belongings safe in the rain. Apart from this, keep band-aid ready and also a bottle of drinking water.

At home, keep an emergency light which will help you during frequent power cuts and also replenish your stock of food as you never know that shops might get close during incessant rain and water-logging.

Don't MissNot Just Umbrella, You Should Also Be Carrying These Other Essentials In Your Bag This Monsoon Season

Take Care Of Your Money

If you are carrying money then be careful as it might get wet in rain. Carry as much as cash you require. You may carry a little more money in case you run out of cash as most ATMs stop working due to rain.

Don't Rely On Local Trains

Relying completely on Mumbai local trains during monsoon is not a good decision. Local trains are the first to stop functioning if it rains hard or if there is water-logging. Avoid running and catching trains and also stand away from the doors.

In Time Of Problem, Seek Help From These Apps

Pratisaad-Ask, Police Mitra, Vahanchoritakrar and Railway helpline are the apps launched by the Maharashtra Police but apart from these you can refer to Safetipin as well

Avoid Going Near Beaches

Mumbaikars love to go to Gateway of India, Juhu Beach and Marine Drive to enjoy rain but you never know when there is a high tide or rain intensifies. The area near these places become slippery hence, you should avoid going to these places when it is raining.

Ensure There Are No Loose Wires At Home

To prevent from getting an electric shock during monsoon, ensure that there are no loose wires in the home. Water gets into your house if it rains too much and these wires can be dangerous to your life.

Wear Comfortable Footwear

During monsoon, wear comfortable shoes, rainy shoes and avoid wearing one which has slippery sole. Use crocs which are comfortable during rain. If you have to wear formals to the office then wear comfortable clothes and carry your formal to work and change it there.

Stay Away From Under-Construction Building

If you are in Mumbai, it is advisable that you stay away from under construction buildings during monsoon. There are possibilities of wall collapse or any portion of building falling. Stay away for your safety.