Mumbai Mega Flood' on National Geographic Channel

National Geographic Channel presents the story of the disastrous flood that brought the world's fifth largest city to a grinding halt – 'Mumbai Mega Flood'. In this Sunday Night Special, premiering on July 15, 2007 at 8 pm, Nat Geo follows the siege of Mumbai, as all its systems shut down and millions of people faced nature's fury. Two years later, the city of Mumbai finds itself fighting the same battle; this is a story of a recurring phenomenon that has changed the life of Mumbaikars forever.

Speaking about the series, Rajesh Sheshadri, Vice President - Marketing, National Geographic Channel, India said, "At National Geographic Channel it is our constant endeavour to bring into focus issues that are relevant and relatable to the world we live in through our programming and Mumbai Mega Flood is one such effort. Monsoons bring back the fear of floods in Mumbai every year after the disaster in 2005 and we believe that a show like Mumbai Mega Flood will play a role in highlighting the challenge that life becomes for people of the city and bringing to light the reasons behind this recurring phenomenon".

On July 26, 2005, a month before Hurricane Katrina ripped through New Orleans; Mumbai, India's financial capital with a population of 18.3 million received its highest rainfall in recorded history. An incredible 944mm of rain fell on the city in 24 hours - the resulting flood left hundreds dead. It began like any other monsoon day in Mumbai; it was a dull, cloudy day that gave no forewarning of the disaster that was to come. Most people reported to work on time, blissfully unaware that their will to survive and tenacity would soon be put to the ultimate test. Through dramatic recreations, interviews with victims, meteorological experts and environmentalists, Mumbai Mega Flood relives the traumatic and shocking set of events that brought the city of Mumbai to its knees.

Environmental destruction, unplanned construction, climate change and administration failure are the reasons cited by experts and environmentalists for the disaster. However, before any significant action is taken, Mumbai finds itself in the same situation again. On June 30, 2007, it rains more than 600mm in Mumbai bringing the city to a screeching halt and the city is still unprepared for it.

Author: Minnie Gupta