President’s Message
THE STORM THAT GATHERS US ALL
The extreme and severe Cyclone Tauktae is sweeping across the coast and has caused significant damage in Mumbai over the course of today. Torrential rains and winds over 100 km/hr rage over the city as we all tuck ourselves in with charged phones, supplies and prayers for the metropolis.
The weather outside may be getting pleasantly cool, but the damage is reprehensible and adding to the sluggish pace of vaccination drives across our city as we already battle the pandemic.
Trees have cracked in half, breaking the backs of vehicles unfortunately parked under them, flooded roads are making it scary to commute and the pothole-riddled landscape has quickly turned into a large pool where despair comes to drown. The Sealink may be swaying and birds and airplanes hiding in hangars waiting for the storm to pass.
Right from the iconic Gateway of India which is getting pummelled by angry cyclonic tides to the unfinished high-rises across the city that have cranes delicately and threateningly balancing atop them, the collective feeling is that of uncertainty and nervous energy.
Of course, local government and the NGO community have risen from the mists of the storm to help communities weather it better. Club efforts to alleviate the suffering of Mumbaikars are ongoing and we are thankful for the comforts we have and the opportunities we to help others.
While we hold our breath and watch the dark sky through sheets of rain, we hope that our brethren in Gujarat are well prepared to battle the heart of Tauktae that is rushing their way with gusto and fury.
Let’s stay in, stay safe and pray for a little bit of sunshine at least for the next few days.
Framroze Mehta
President