A city submerged: The unforgettable saga of Mumbai's 26/7 deluge

July 26, 2005, is a date etched in the memory of Mumbai’s residents marking one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in the city’s history. Known as “26/7”, this day saw Mumbai come to a standstill due to unprecedented rainfall that paralysed the entire city. The financial capital of India was subjected to a deluge that not only claimed lives and caused extensive damage but also exposed significant vulnerabilities in urban planning and infrastructure. This disaster forced the city and its administration to rethink disaster management and resilience strategies. Here’s an in-depth look at the 26/7 Mumbai floods and 10 crucial things you should know about this defining event.

1. Unprecedented rainfall

Record-breaking downpour: On July 26, 2005, Mumbai received a staggering 944 mm (37.17 inches) of rain in just 24 hours, marking a 100-year high in rainfall for the city. This was the eighth heaviest rainfall ever recorded in a 24-hour period globally. Within a 12-hour window from 8 am to 8 pm, the city was deluged with 644 mm (25.35 inches) of rain.

More from India

'First Assam visit after Op Sindoor': PM Modi inaugurates projects worth Rs 18,530 cr India to host fifth Coast Guard Global Summit in Chennai in 2027

Continuous rain: The rain persisted even after this peak contributing to the extensive flooding and compounding the challenges faced by the city.

2. Paralysis of the city

Transport disruption: The relentless rainfall led to a complete halt of local train services due to severe waterlogging on tracks, resulting in the damage of 52 local trains. Mumbai’s suburban railway network, which serves as the city’s lifeline, was rendered inoperative, stranding millions of commuters.

Road traffic chaos: The flooding caused an unprecedented traffic gridlock. Low-lying regions, including Dharavi and the Bandra-Kurla Complex, were submerged, making road travel perilous and, in many cases, impossible.

Impact Shorts

More Shorts

'New dawn': PM Modi meets Manipur violence victims in first visit since 2023 unrest

CP Radhakrishnan takes oath as Vice President of India

3. Massive damage to public and private transport

Vehicles affected: The floods wreaked havoc on the city’s public and private transport systems. Over 37,000 auto-rickshaws, 4,000 taxis, 900 BEST buses and 10,000 trucks and tempos were damaged or immobilised. The cumulative damage led to significant economic losses and logistical nightmares.

Financial impact: The city incurred a direct financial loss estimated at ₹5.5 billion (approximately $100 million or €80 million), severely affecting Mumbai’s economy.

4. Closure of airports

Airport shutdown: For the first time in its history, Mumbai’s airports were forced to shut down for more than 30 hours due to extensive flooding and poor visibility. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, along with Sahar and Juhu aerodromes, was non-operational affecting air traffic severely.

Flight cancellations: Over 700 flights were either cancelled or delayed disrupting air travel and adding to the chaos as travellers were left stranded.

5. Human casualties and displacement

Lives lost: The catastrophic floods claimed the lives of over 1,000 people in Mumbai alone. The fatalities were primarily due to drowning, electrocutions and landslides in various parts of the city.

Homes destroyed: More than 14,000 homes were destroyed leaving thousands homeless and in urgent need of shelter and aid.

6. Impact on communication

Telecommunication breakdown: The floods caused significant disruption in communication networks. Approximately 5 million mobile users and 2.3 million MTNL landline users experienced outages for over four hours making coordination and rescue efforts challenging.

7. Critical failures in infrastructure

Drainage system overwhelmed: Mumbai’s outdated drainage system, designed during the colonial era, was grossly inadequate to handle the deluge, resulting in widespread waterlogging.

Natural waterways blocked: Unchecked urbanisation had led to the blockage of natural waterways and the destruction of mangroves further exacerbating the flooding.

8. Government response and relief efforts

Delayed response: The government’s initial response to the disaster was widely criticised for its slowness. Many citizens were left to fend for themselves for extended periods.

Military involvement: The Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force were mobilised to assist with rescue operations, providing essential aid to those stranded in flooded areas.

Relief camps: Temporary shelters and relief camps were established across the city, offering food, water and medical assistance to the affected population.

9. Role of citizens and NGOs

Community efforts: Local citizens and non-governmental organisations played a crucial role in rescue and relief operations. Volunteers provided vital services, distributing food, water and other essentials, and offering shelter to those in need.

Volunteer coordination: Despite limited resources, volunteers coordinated effectively filling gaps where official efforts were delayed or insufficient.

10. Lessons learnt and long-term impact

Disaster management reforms: The disaster underscored the urgent need for effective disaster management strategies. In response, the government established disaster management cells and improved coordination between various agencies.

Infrastructure improvements: Post-flood efforts focused on upgrading the city’s drainage systems and implementing measures to mitigate future flooding risks. However, progress has been inconsistent and challenges persist.

Urban planning awareness: The floods highlighted the necessity of sustainable urban planning and stricter enforcement against illegal constructions emphasising the importance of preserving natural habitats like mangroves.

Public awareness: The event heightened public consciousness regarding environmental conservation and the need for resilience against climate change-induced weather extremes.

The 26/7 Mumbai floods were a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities that come with rapid urbanisation and inadequate infrastructure. While the city has made strides in improving disaster preparedness and resilience since then the challenges of urban flooding remain ever-present.