‘The water came up to my waist but I carried on walking’ – This is climate breakdown

The Guardian
The Guardian
23h ago 6 views
Ruchira Gupta shares her harrowing experience during the devastating 2005 Maharashtra floods in India, highlighting the impact of climate change. Her story underscores the urgent need for awareness and action.
‘The water came up to my waist but I carried on walking’ – This is climate breakdown
A What happened
Ruchira Gupta, an interpreter and mother, vividly recalls her struggle during the catastrophic Maharashtra floods in 2005. Caught in heavy rainfall while at work, she faced immense challenges to reach her daughters. The flooding led to chaos at the train station, where she had to navigate through rising waters. Despite the dangers, including the risk of electrocution, she persevered to find her family. After a traumatic journey, she managed to reunite with her daughters but was left deeply affected by the experience. Gupta's story highlights the personal toll of climate disasters and the ongoing impact of climate change, which she now recognizes as a significant threat. Her reflections call for greater awareness and responsibility regarding environmental issues.

Key insights

  • 1

    Personal Trauma

    Gupta's experience left her traumatized and fearful of heavy rains.

  • 2

    Climate Change Awareness

    She now connects her experience to the broader issue of climate change.

  • 3

    Community Impact

    The floods affected many lives, highlighting the need for collective responsibility.

Takeaways

Ruchira Gupta's story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of climate disasters. It emphasizes the importance of awareness and action to combat climate change and protect vulnerable communities.

Topics

Public Health Society Climate Change