Tide of the Century

The “Tide of the Century” may hit Mumbai on 24th July 2009.

Mumbai could be facing a re-enactment of the catastrophe that devastated life and property four years ago—perhaps on the very same dates. While the severity of the flooding would probably be unabated, better preparedness and closer co-ordination among government bodies, corporate & general public can help in minimizing its impact.

What caused floods in 2005?

Mumbai is at an average elevation of 10-15 meters above sea level and receives an annual rainfall of 2,200 mm out of which 50% is in the month of July.

On 26 July 2005, Mumbai got a record single day rainfall of 944mm (42% of the city’s annual rainfall). This coupled with a high tide of more than 4.8m, overwhelmed the drain-age systems and flooded the city.

Mumbai lost close to $200 million of revenue and over 1,000 lives. The floods also caused serious damage to property, infrastructure and left serious diseases in its wake. Many were even traumatized.

Mumbai faces a similar situation now!

The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) has indicated the possibility of a high tide of 5.01m & 5.05m on 23rd and 24th July 2009 respectively.

The South West Monsoon which is expected to hit Mumbai by 10th June could prove disastrous if it rains heavily on any of these two days. Low lying areas could experience flooding even with moderate rains.

While MCGM has apparently undertaken measures to improve the city’s disaster management capabilities, it is imperative for individuals & corporate’s to review their pre-paredness for responding effectively.

Checklist- Preparing for the 'danger days'

Before :

• Restrict all non-essential travel on critical days. Advise inbound travelers as well
• Familiarize yourself & family/colleagues with warning signs, alert systems & designated high land areas
• Be aware of the potential flooding zones and the evacuation routes
• Keep all the emergency contact numbers handy
• Stock food, drinking water and other essential emergency supplies
• Dispose all garbage and inform public authorities of any clogged drainage
• Teach children, how & when to call first responders and train them on flood response drills**

During :

If Indoors:

• Turn off the electric supply
• Using the available source of communication, intimate your family members
• Use battery operated radio to get latest emergency information
• If instructed by authorities to evacuate, do so immediately

If Outdoors:

• If stranded in a vehicle, exit the vehicle and move to a higher land
• Avoid walking / travelling through any flooded routes
• Avoid unnecessary calling on Emergency Contact Numbers
• Rely on authentic information & don’t spread rumours

After :

• Don't return/enter your home until authorities declare it safe`
• Help neighbours who may need assistance
• Watch out for poisonous insects & reptiles
• Beware of loose electrical wires
• Beware of water borne diseases
• Go for Medical checkups if exposed to flood waters
• Discard any food item which has been in contact with the flood water
• Contact your insurance company for claims
• Consult a crisis counsellor in case of post traumatic stress syndrome

Emergency Contact Details

Disaster Help Line 108
Mumbai Police 100
Fire Brigade 101
Central Complaint Registration System 1916
Medical Emergency 101
Local Ward
Office HR
Family Acquaintance
Family Doctor
Insurance Company

* For respective Ward Representative & Emergency Contact Details visit www.mcgm.gov.in

Blame game

The people of India are really disgusted with every passing day after the Mumbai terrorist attacks. Its like both the Indian Government & Pakistan government are working hand in hand to just pass the time till people start forgetting about the tragedy & the public demand for action slows down. With every passing day either of the governments find some point or the other & pass on the blame to each other.
Till when will this game continue?

Do they really want to find a solution out of this?

From the look of it the people dont think so. What the general public thinks is that the Indian Government should act tough & give an ultimatum to the Pak Government. Say 24 hours. They have to act before 24 hours or face the consequences. What do you say? Something like this is necessary.

Everyday the foreign ministers of both countries keep giving statements about what is going on & what should be done to curb terrorism. Will this really help? Will any solution be achieved from this?

If the Indians think the root of terrorism is Pakistan, they should go the American way & attack Pakistan & if they dont have enough proof regarding that they should just shut their mouths & wait patiently for the next attack which has been happening continuously for the last many years.

Similarly if the Pakistan has proof that their land is not used for terrorist activities they should hand it over to India & finish the debate once & for all. All this blame game is not going to help.

Messy Aftermath in Mumbai

Messy Aftermath in Mumbai
The Taj Hotel caught fire Early Thursday, Nov. 27, 2008, after the terror attack in Mumbai, India. Dozens of people were killed and more than 200 wounded in coordinated attacks on hotels, a train station and other locations frequented by tourists.

ULTIMATOM FOR PAKISTAN!!!

The people of India are really disgusted with every passing day after the Mumbai terrorist attacks. Its like both the Indian Government & Pakistan government are working hand in hand to just pass the time till people start forgetting about the tragedy & the public demand for action slows down. With every passing day either of the governments find some point or the other & pass on the blame to each other.
Till when will this game continue?
Do they really want to find a solution out of this?
From the look of it the people dont think so. What the general public thinks is that the Indian Government should act tough & give an ultimatom to the Pak Government. Say 24 hours. They have to act before 24 hours or face the consequences. What do you say? Something like this is necessary.

Mumbai Terror Probe

Less than a month after the unprecedented terror strikes in Mumbai , the Federal Bureau of Investigation has completed its probe in India and found evidence of a Pakistan security establishment being involved in the carnage.

An FBI team is likely to go there to prepare a chargesheet against the guilty.

As the FBI winds up the probe that commenced on December one, top US Intelligence official John Michael McConnell, who heads the Director of National Intelligence, air dashed to New Delhi and held series of meetings with the FBI team probing the case.

The FBI is understood to have found evidence about the role of a Pakistani security establishment other than the ISI being involved in the November 26 terror strikes in Mumbai that left over 180 people dead including six American nationals, official sources said.

McConnell has passed on the findings of FBI team to the officials in the government and the US probe agency would now be giving final touches to chargesheet in which it would be naming the accused persons.