Starting on the afternoon of July 26, 2005, Mumbai was hit by the highest rainfall ever experienced anywhere in the country. Hundreds of people lost their lives; hundreds of thousands lost their homes, property and livelihoods. Though the municipal and state governments had apparently been apprised of the crisis by 2 pm, the authorities did nothing to warn the commuting public, minimise the risk of travelling, and provide shelter and food to stranded women, men and children.