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MUMBAI:
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 15 July 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
26 July 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 30 June 2007, it rains
more than 600mm in Mumbai bringing the city to a screeching halt
and the city is still unprepared for it.
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