Torrential rains crippled life across Vasai-Virar as highways, railway tracks, and arterial roads went underwater. With knee-to-waist-deep water, transport systems collapsed, and homes in low-lying areas were submerged. Amid the chaos, stories of courage, compassion, and community spirit emerged.
When a 90-year-old patient at Cardinal Hospital slipped into a critical condition, over-the-phone guidance was not enough. Without hesitation, Dr Santosh Pillai drove his BMW through flooded streets to reach the hospital. He managed to stabilise the patient, saving a life. Though his car later broke down under the Vasai railway bridge, Dr Pillai showed no regret.
“Being able to save a patient’s life is the greatest joy in a doctor’s career,” he said. In the Mori village under the Naigaon police limits, API Manisha Patil of the Mira-Bhayandar Vasai-Virar Commissionerate carried stranded children in her arms across floodwaters. Residents hailed her fearless act as a symbol of compassion and dedication. “Officers like her are role models,” said one local.
Vendors help transport people on their carts in a flooded area
At Nalasopara railway station, stranded commuters faced waist-deep water and no transport. That’s when vegetable vendors stepped in with their handcarts — charging Rs 10 to Rs 50 to ferry people across flooded streets. “We had no choice, but at least this helped people reach safer ground,” said one vendor.
With several residential complexes in Vasai inundated, societies pooled money to buy water pumps and drain floodwater themselves. In the absence of immediate civic help, neighbours came together to safeguard their homes and prevent further damage.
The floods unsettled not only families but also wildlife. In Nalasopara, residents found snakes, crabs, and even a python entering housing societies in search of dry ground. At Maha Sharda CHS, instead of panicking, locals carefully placed the reptiles in containers and called snake rescuers. Neighbours reminded each other, “Don’t kill them — they, too, are struggling to survive.”
In several parts of Vasai-Virar, power outages lasted more than 20 hours as transformers were submerged. Families shared candles, food, and even phone chargers. Neighbours who had stored water offered it to those who had none. “It feels like we’ve gone back decades,” said one resident, “but at least we are not alone in this struggle.”
Mandir Trust
With heavy rains submerging several areas, the Shri Jivdani Devi Mandir Trust stepped in to provide timely relief by distributing hot khichdi to flood-hit residents. Hundreds of volunteers, including women, youth, and elders, prepared and packed food, which was then delivered to inundated localities. Trust vice-president Pankaj Thakur personally monitored the drive, stressing that serving people in distress is the highest form of dharma.
Civic teams
The Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) deployed 54 suction pumps and JCB machines to clear blocked drains. Nearly 500 people were rescued and shifted to 34 temporary shelters, while over 10,000 food packets were distributed. At the same time, ordinary citizens lent a hand — helping ambulances stuck on highways, clearing trees, and sharing food with stranded neighbours.
